Objectives: Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a common neurological condition in dogs. Information of prognosis and quality of life (QOL) is however limited. We aimed to investigate the outcome and QOL of dogs treated for IVDD.
Methods: Retrospective case study of dogs with clinical signs of IVDD alongside a pre-planned structured QOL telephone follow-up owner interview, using closed- and open-ended questions. A modified Frankel score was used to compare disease severity between surgically and conservatively treated dogs. Data from follow-up interviews were analysed using Excel. Response categories were made to analyse open-ended questions.
Results: 129 dogs were included in the study. Forty-two owners participated in follow-up interviews. Surgically treated dogs had significantly worse modified Frankel scores at initial presentation compared to conservatively treated dogs (p < 0.003). In both treatment groups, 50% of dogs experienced long-term deficiencies after IVDD treatment e.g difficulty jumping or reduced stamina. Twice as many dogs in the surgical group received physiotherapy as part of treatment. Almost all owners believed their dogs QOL was the same as before the disease. A majority of owners however, reported that IVDD in their dog caused them emotional distress, thus influencing their life negatively.
Impact: Our results suggest that the prognosis of dogs treated for IVDD is good; however, owners should be informed that long-term sequelae are not uncommon. There is a need for more focus on how dogs’ IVDD affect their owners and guidelines on how to provide the most optimal owner support.