Surprising Disc Disease Outcomes

Surprising Disc Disease Outcomes

From Episode 185 in the ECC Feed - With Dr Simon Cook

We just published another ‘what’s new and interesting in the literature’ episode with Simon, and the findings from this study will really change my conversations around IVDD:

  • 49/51 deep pain-positive IVDD dogs recovered ambulation within 12 weeks without surgery. (i.e., most of them!)

  • 10/21 deep pain-negative dogs recovered ambulation within 12 weeks.

  • Median time to ambulation:

    • 11 days for deep pain-positive dogs.

    • 25 days for deep pain-negative dogs.

  • Does this mean that we don’t have to suggest surgery? Nope—surgery is definitely the fastest and most reliable way to ensure recovery, BUT:

  • Don’t euthanase the spinal sausage dog with no deep pain just because the owners can’t afford surgery. A committed owner who is happy to provide nursing care still has a 50% chance of having a functional dog after a month.

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Hubert Hiemstra

Hosted by Dr. Hubert Hiemstra, a veterinarian with over 20 years of experience and a passion for helping vets build happier, more fulfilling careers. Hubert brings warmth, curiosity, and a knack for asking the right questions to every conversation, creating a space where the best ideas in vet med come to life.

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