IVDD in Dogs: Is it really Genetics and bad luck?

IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) is a degenerative disease where cushioning discs between vertebrae dry out and become brittle, often causing them to rupture due to minor trauma like jumping. While common in chondrodystrophoid (long-backed) breeds, it can affect any dog. It occurs when spinal discs bulge or rupture, causing pressure on the spinal cord, leading to pain, instability, or paralysis. [Source: Google]

While I agree that genetics may play a role in longer-backed breeds putting them at a biomechanical disadvantage, for the majority of dogs, I believe we should be digging deeper to uncover the root cause. Osteopathy offers an explanation as well as prevention.

Ever wonder why "adjusting" spinal vertebrae only gives temporary relief and those same pain points seem to come back? The answer lies in the organ system.

European osteopathic philosophy holds that 80-90% of musculoskeletal dysfunction has its origin in the organ system. Bodies have 4 times as many neurons feeding sensory information from organs to the spine versus from the spine to organs. Therefore it is 4 times more likely that a problem with a spinal segment is being caused by the organ (or group of organs) that it innervates versus the problem coming from the spine itself. Is it possible that spinal disorders are their own root cause- yes of course, but 80-90% of the time- they are just responding to the nervous system.

Optimal health of intervertebral discs is achieved with a spine that is mobile, hydrated, nourished properly and free of toxins. Discs are made of water, proteoglycans and collagen. They are just another form of fascia.

According to my training, we explain problems in the body by looking at all major systems that effect anatomy and function: Biomechanical, Neurological, Visceral, Vascular, Chemical, CranioSacral, Emotional.

In the case of Discs, our analysis of the root cause of any disorders would look like this...

Biomechanical- if a dog is not moving their body often enough, or more than they are fit for, or has mechanical strain on the spine or sacrum, they will be more prone to IVDD. Mobility is key to adaptation and health= motion is lotion. We need a spine which is free of immobilities to thrive and not place excessive strain onto discs (see your osteopath regularly). Believe it or not, even something like too long of toe nails will cause excessive flexion in the spine and poor posture- putting strain on discs.

Neurological- addressing any imbalances in the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems to free the viscero-somatic loop causing spinal vertebral immobilities. Vertebrae are not "out of alignment", they are immobile because the sympathetic nervous system is preserving the body by activating lockdown. This reduces bloodflow to all smooth muscle tissue in the segment it innervates (organs, muscle, vascularity, etc.)

Visceral- Two related pathways for IVDD: *

*If we find 3 of more vertebrae in consecutive order, all immobile, it leads us to believe that it is the organ(or group of organs) that they innervate that is causing the sympathetic nervous system to respond. Depending on what area of the spine a dog has been diagnosed with IVDD- that will give the osteopath clues as to where to help the animal to heal. This causes the mechanical pressure on the discs.

*More often than not, a high carbohydrate diet that is GMO and full of soy is the culprit to blame. Soy and corn and heavily sprayed with glyphosate in the United States and is directly linked to causing Leaky Gut Syndrome. Toxins literally leak out of the gut and degrade all surrounding tissues- including discs! Prevention is key- stick with a diet that is made from real food- muscle meat, organs, bone, minimal fermented veggies. Dog's don't need carbohydrates.

Vascular- Optimal blood supply= optimal disc health. The outer layer of intervertebral discs is nourished by blood coming from the vertebral column. Immobility of the vertebrae caused by the sympathetic nervous system leads to vasoconstriction of all blood vessels in that segment- therefore restricting blood blow and nourishment to the disc as well. See your osteopath to reduce sympathetic tone.

Chemical- when the body becomes overly acidic, it leads to unhappy fascia. Acidity often is caused by a diet too high in sugars/carbohydrates, or lack of oxygenation. There are other factors, but here we come to prevention by addressing diet, and optimizing diaphragm function through osteopathy to address tension or fascial restrictions. Additionally, it is important to limit exposure to things that also contribute to leaky gut and immune dysfunction: Mold exposure, pesticides, fragrances, flea/tick meds, some Rx drugs, excessive vaccination, antibiotic use.

CranioSacral- our spine is nourished by cerebrospinal fluid that flows with its own pulse. Correcting immobilities in the craniosacral system optimizes this flow. It is also important to address the duramater (the covering of the spinal cord that runs inside the bony column and discs) itself to create less tension in the spine and surrounding discs.

Emotional- we cannot ignore the power of emotions and stored trauma in the body. Oftentimes, where there is immobility, there is also stuck emotions from a variety of sources. Osteopathic work releases these is a gentle way. Dogs are highly sensitive creatures and often carry the trauma or stress of their owner's. We hold space in our work to allow these emotions to be released and their body to heal fully.

To recap- While genetics may play a role in setting a dog up for mechanical stress of intervertebral discs, we must consider the impact of epigentics. After all, genetics might load the gun but lifestyle pulls the trigger. Therefore, if we want to prevent IVDD in a dog, we should feed a species specific raw diet, make sure they have movement in their life, see an animal osteopath regularly to correct immobilities and address specific organs that may need gentle support before issues turn into pathology, and limit toxin exposure. Let's keep our pups happy for the long term!