What are Pinched Nerves?
Dogs are susceptible to pinched nerves, much like humans, when pressure or compression is applied to a nearby nerve or the spinal cord. It may occur due to injury, gradual ageing, or abnormal degeneration, leading to pain, discomfort, and numbness.
If left untreated, it can gradually impact your dog’s daily activities and quality of life, as they may move less to minimise the pain and discomfort of a pinched nerve.
Symptoms of Pinched Nerves
If your dog has a pinched nerve, they may exhibit any of the following symptoms:
- Frequently fidgeting or twisting their body
- Unexpected behavioural changes (such as snarling when you try to pet them)
- Sudden limping or unusual gait
- Limb dragging
- Lifting or holding one limb up
- Pronounced stiffness in the back or affected limb
- Difficulties when crouching
- Difficulties when urinating
- Yelping or indirect signs of pain
If you are worried that your dog may have a pinched nerve, see a veterinarian immediately. The sooner a vet can diagnose your dog’s condition, the sooner they can receive prompt treatment.
What Causes Pinched Nerves in Dogs?
A pinched nerve in your dog may result from any of the following causes:
Spinal Injury
A fall, accident, or other injury to your dog’s spine can cause a pinched nerve. Physical harm may cause initial damage to the spine and spinal cord, but may also increase the risk of complications due to bleeding, swelling, and tissue damage. Loose bone fragments or bone spurs that grow after an injury and press against the nerves or spinal cord may also contribute to pinched nerves. Prompt treatment is necessary to reduce the risk of further complications that could impact your dog’s well-being.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
Considered the most common cause of pinched nerves in dogs, IVDD can affect any breed, but is more common in short-legged breeds such as dachshunds and beagles. It is a degenerative spinal disc condition that can develop in susceptible breeds at various ages. It may also be exacerbated by factors such as excess weight and a family history of IVDD.
IVDD may be categorised into two types.
- Hansen Type I: A sudden disc rupture causing acute spinal cord compression, which is common in chondrodystrophic breeds (e.g., Dachshunds).
- Hansen Type II: The outer part of the disc gradually degenerates and bulges over time, causing progressive pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. This is common in older dogs, and signs develop progressively.
Fibrocartilaginous Embolism (FCE)
An FCE is a blockage that forms in the blood vessels due to a small piece of fibrocartilage. This may cause signs similar to a pinched nerve. It typically affects adult dogs and may result in sudden limb weakness or paralysis, and one limb or one side of the body may be more affected.
Spinal Tumours
Spinal tumours are relatively rare but may form due to cancer growing near or within the spinal cord. Tumours may develop anywhere along the spine and compress the spinal cord, which can gradually lead to paralysis in your dog’s legs.
Diagnosing Pinched Nerves
When you take your dog to the veterinarian, they will first conduct a physical exam to assess your dog’s physical condition. They may also ask additional questions about your dog’s general well-being and any previous symptoms or health complications to narrow down the diagnosis.
An X-ray, CT scan, or MRI scan may be performed to determine the root cause of your dog’s pain and discomfort, which helps to rule out other conditions that present similar symptoms.
Treating Pinched Nerves
For mild cases of pinched nerves, conventional nonsurgical treatment may help relieve your dog’s symptoms. These include:
Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications
These may provide short-term pain relief.
Activity restrictions
The aim is to minimise daily activities that could exacerbate a pinched nerve. This may include shorter walks and preventing your dog from jumping or running.
Canine rehabilitation
Sharing similar treatment philosophies as physiotherapy, canine rehabilitation aims to improve your dog’s motor functions through preventive care techniques. Sessions are focused on long-term pain management to enhance your dog’s fitness, support their gradual recovery, and reduce the risk of complications. Examples of rehabilitation modalities and therapeutic exercises include:
- Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy sessions involve gentle, low-impact exercises to strengthen and condition muscles, improve your dog’s balance and coordination, and manage pain and other symptoms. Warm water is used in hydrotherapy to stimulate nerve pathways and help your dog gradually regain its motor functions.
- Electric stimulation therapy: This treatment delivers low levels of controlled electric currents to stimulate nerves, muscles, or tissues. It provides pain relief, reduces stiffness, improves mobility, and alleviates other symptoms associated with pinched nerves.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points on a pet’s body. Performed by a qualified and licensed veterinarian, acupuncture sessions aim to improve circulation, reduce pain, and promote healing.
For severe cases, surgery may be considered if nonsurgical therapies are unable to resolve symptoms. Surgical procedures will attempt to remove pressure placed on the nerves or spinal cord to alleviate pain and discomfort. The surgical method chosen will depend on your dog’s condition.
A pinched nerve can affect your dog’s quality of life if left untreated. Contact Bluewater Vet Acupuncture & Rehabilitation today to schedule a health assessment and discuss a suitable treatment plan for your dog’s well-being.