Rehabilitation for Interverbal Disc Disease
Introduction
Eryk is a 11-year-old Chinese Crested dog, who was rescued by his owners in December 2023. On the evening of the 25th of March 2024, Eryk’s owners noticed he was struggling to settle and got up frequently through the night, something which is very unusual for him as he typically sleeps through the night. The following morning, he was unbalanced and uncoordinated in his movements, and by that evening, he was tetraplegic. His owners rushed him to the vets where he was diagnosed with suspected Interverbal Disc Disease (IVDD).
It was suggested that Eryk undergo diagnostic MRIs to determine the exact cause of tetraplegia, followed by surgery to resolve the issue. His owners were keen to restore his mobility and quality of life, however due to his age and pre-existing medical conditions, they wanted to avoid putting him through any invasive surgery. They decided to treat Eryk conservatively, starting with 8 weeks of strict crate rest, only leaving his crate to toilet on lead to reduce the risk of relapsing or damaging his spine further. His owners thoroughly researched the best ways to conservatively treat IVDD, determining that an amalgamation of strict crate rest and LASER was the best route to take. We were contacted by Eryk’s owner two days after the diagnosis, and working alongside his vets, we were able to get his rehabilitation started less than a week after the suspected onset of IVDD.
Treatment Plan
During his land-based assessment in his first session, we could see that Eryk was now able to walk around but still struggled with his balance and would scuff through the hindlimb digits where he continued to have proprioceptive deficits.
We decided as a team that an intensive course of LASER was the best course of action to further build on his rehabilitation journey, applying 6 sessions over a 2-week period to kickstart a chain of chemical reactions which accelerate the body’s healing process. Our Companian Animal Health Duo LASER applies a deep penetrating light which promotes photo bio-stimulation, stimulating nerve cells to block pain signals and reduce discomfort while reducing swelling by activating the lymphatic drainage system.
Our dedicated treatment room, situated away from our main centre to allow for a quieter and more relaxed experience, allowed Eryk to settle and enjoy each of his sessions. The spacious setting of the treatment room meant his owner could sit down on the mat with Eryk, ensuring he was fully relaxed throughout his treatment, while optimising the full benefits of the LASER. He took very well to his sessions, remaining settled throughout and enjoying the naturally produced endorphins and pain relief produced by the LASER as it is moved across his spine and hindlimbs.
Progress and Outcome
In the days following his initial LASER session with us, his owners were already noticing significant improvements, both in his movements and demeanour. After his initial session, his owners reported that he had been more comfortable at home and was looking stronger in his movements, developing a more coordinated gait with each session. We also felt that Eryk was showing good improvements in his gait, with improvements to his proprioception seen through the noticeable decrease in scuffing of the hindlimb digits.
Future Treatment:
Eryk has now finished his intensive LASER block and will be progressing onto a maintenance plan, attending once a week to continue benefitting from the healing and pain relief properties offered by the LASER. We will also begin including sessions in our Underwater Treadmill into Eryk’s rehabilitation plan. Our UWTM allows us a 360-degree view to assess Eryk in a dynamic gait and allows us to apply therapeutic handling techniques to re-educate his gait and build muscle tone to strengthen his movements.
Conclusion
Each session, his owners have reported improvements in Eryk’s movements and general condition. They feel he is much more mobile at home and stronger in his movements, no longer splaying through his hindlimbs or knuckling over the forelimbs. Prior to starting LASER, Eryk had been accepting of resting in his crate, however, where he is now feeling more comfortable and stronger in himself, he is wanting to interact more with his family and wanting to roam outside of his crate and in the garden.
