Is your furry friend reluctant to play or jump around the garden? Has it changed its posture and gait? Well, you might have a reason to worry, as your pet is most likely suffering from intervertebral disk disease (IVDD).
This medical condition most commonly results in paralysis, intolerable pain, and restricted limb function. Despite the standard administration of painkillers, pet owners are encouraged to give CBD oil a chance in the treatment of IVDD.
Here is everything you need to know about this disease and the role of CBD oil.
Main causes and types
In order to understand the main causes of the IVDD in dogs, pet owners need to be familiar with the structure of the canine spine. The spine of these creatures consists of vertebrae, which are separated by intervertebral disks. The role of these disks is to protect the spine by absorbing the shock that occurs whenever your companion runs or jumps.
Moreover, under the fibrous shell, the intervertebral disk is filled with fluid, which leaks in the case of spine rupture. Consequently, it’s no longer capable of absorbing the shock, thus causing inflammation and insufferable pain. The gravity of the IVDD mainly depends on the location of the spinal injury, as it might affect the neck, upper back, mid-back, and tail of canines. Click here for a more detailed overview of the intervertebral disk disease.
Additionally, the most common cause of IVDD is undoubtedly age, as the intervertebral disks of older dogs are more prone to injury due to lack of flexibility. Anyhow, younger canines might also experience the IVDD in the case of sustaining a severe spinal injury.
Furthermore, chondrodysplastic breeds are believed to be genetically predisposed to developing such a medical condition, owing to their short limbs but long backs. Consequently, pet parents of Basset hounds, Pekingese, Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, and Beagles are advised to take preventative measures to minimize the risk of their companion suffering from IVDD. Large-breed canines are less likely but also prone to suffering from such a condition.
Your furry companion might suffer from two types of IVDD, those being type Ι and type ΙΙ intervertebral disc disease. The former is more common in small-breed dogs, particularly the ones of young age. It might affect any part of the spinal cord in the case of a rupture of the central part of the disk.
Conversely, the latter is more common in large-breed canines of older age, as it results from the degeneration of the IVD. This slow-progressing process is caused by dehydration of the intervertebral disk, which happens to dogs whose age is between eight and ten years.
Common symptoms
The symptoms of IVDD are mainly determined by the type of medical condition and its spinal location. Generally, most canines experience neck stiffness and overwhelming back pain, which might result in an inability to move, walk, or stand. Consequently, your companion will cry out in pain, show reluctance towards playing and be sensitive to touch. The following link, https://www.cuteness.com/article/reasons-dog-suddenly-act-lethargic, includes more reasons for sudden lethargy in dogs.
Moreover, your furry companion might also exhibit signs of appetite loss, trembling, loss of bladder control, and reluctance to jumping. The worst symptoms of this condition are paralysis or paresis, known as partial paralysis.
Benefits of CBD oil
Instead of administering a multitude of medications, pet parents are advised to use a natural remedy, such as CBD oil. Owing to its incredible anti-inflammatory properties, cannabidiol has the potency to alleviate the intolerable pain.
Additionally, CBD is also capable of restoring your pet’s interest in playing and jumping. By boosting the secretion of serotonin, cannabidiol increases dogs’ energy levels and improves their mood. Your pet will no longer be reluctant to your playtime invitations, thus being your play buddy once again.
Due to their lethargic behavior, canines often experience appetite loss. Anyhow, CBD oil can restore appetite in dogs suffering from intervertebral disc disease by stimulating the production of ghrelin. Increasing the secretion of the hunger hormone will make your dog interested in food in no time.
Conclusion
IVDD is an incredibly common condition in canines.
Make sure you choose a natural treatment!