Heartworm disease, spread by mosquitoes, damages the heart and lungs and can cause serious, lasting illness in dogs. Year-round prevention and annual testing are the safest and most effective ways to protect your pet.

Discovering Heartworm Disease in Dog's

Pet birds - from parakeets to finches - need proper nutrition, enrichment, and safe housing to stay healthy and happy. Because they hide illness well, any change in behavior should prompt immediate veterinary attention.

The Five Most Common Pet Birds and What It Takes to Care for Them

Storms and hurricanes can separate pets from their families, making emergency planning essential. Keep medical records accessible, ensure microchipping, and maintain a stocked pet emergency kit with basic supplies, food, and water.

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Overgrooming often appears as broken, fuzzy hairs - especially on the belly and inner thighs - and can stem from medical issues like parasites, allergies, or endocrine disease. Stress can also be a major trigger, but with proper diagnosis, most cases resolve successfully.

Overgrooming in Cats

Intervertebral Disc Disease causes spinal pain and mobility issues, especially in long-backed breeds, and requires prompt veterinary attention. With proper diagnosis, treatment, and careful home support, your involvement is key to helping your pet recover comfortably.

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Fri Jun 13 2025 17:01:29 GMT+0530 (India Standard Time)

Colorado Canine Orthopedics

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At Colorado Canine Orthopedics, we deliver advanced orthopedic care for dogs and cats with innovative treatments, compassionate service, and an exceptional client experience, improving the lives of pets and their families.

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<span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Boarding, bathing, and daycare reservations can be made online via our webpage or by downloading the Blue Springs Pet Resort app from the Google Play Store or Apple Store.</span><div><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Please note that our reservation system requires payment by credit card and we cannot accept other forms of payment for Pet Resort services.&nbsp;</span><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"></span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Select your preference below and set up your account to get connected with us. ***Please create only one account per family.***</span><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"></span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">We look forward to seeing your pet soon!</span><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"></span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br></span></div>

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<p dir="auto"></p><div class="embed-script-block embed-script-block--video embed-script-block--align-center " data-type="embed-script" data-content="&lt;iframe 
  width=&quot;100%&quot; 
  height=&quot;400&quot; 
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  title=&quot;Video player&quot; 
  frameborder=&quot;0&quot; 
  allow=&quot;accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture&quot; 
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&lt;/iframe&gt;" data-title="Vimeo Video" data-embed-type="video" data-video-url="https://vimeo.com/515942026" data-width="100%" data-align="center" data-inline="false" style="width: 100%; max-width: 100%; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><iframe class="embed-script-output-frame embed-script-output-frame--video" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/515942026" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 16/9; max-width: 100%; border: none; display: block;"></iframe></div><p dir="auto"></p><h2 dir="auto"><strong>Overview</strong></h2><p dir="auto">Canine intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) involves degeneration of the intervertebral discs that often leads to disc herniation resulting in spinal cord or spinal nerve compression. The syndrome can affect all breeds but toy breed dogs such as dachshunds, poodles, Pekingese, etc. are more commonly affected. Clinical signs range from intermittent pain to complete paralysis.</p><h2 dir="auto"><strong>Anatomy</strong></h2><p dir="auto">The spine is made up of block bones called vertebrae. Dogs have seven cervical (neck), thirteen thoracic (chest), seven lumbar (back), three fused sacral (tail bone) and a variable number of tail vertebrae. Each vertebra is made up of a body, the lamina, which houses the spinal cord, and the facets that are partially responsible for the connection from one vertebra to the next.</p><p dir="auto">Intervertebral discs are situated between each vertebra and in dogs and cats the disc sits just beneath, or ventral to, the spinal canal (figure 1). The discs are comprised of a fibrous outer ring called the annulus fibrosis and an inner gel called the nucleus pulposus and act as both connectors and shock absorbers between each vertebra.</p><p dir="auto">Canine intervertebral disc disease manifests by two different pathologic processes classified as Hansen type one, Hansen type two and less commonly, Hansen type three. In toy breed dogs the discs degenerate and dehydrate (Hansen type one). This process can begin as early as one year of age. As discs lose resiliency and the outer layers weakens, the inner nucleus pulposus is at risk to displace upward (herniate) resulting in spinal cord trauma and compression (figure 2). The herniation often involves a rapid burst of disc material causing acute pain or paralysis. In large breed dogs the pathologic process involves cycles of gradual break down, followed by fibrous repair resulting in disc bulging and insidious or slow onset of clinical signs (Hansen type two). Colorado Canine Orthopedics’ surgeons focus on toy breed dogs and the following discussion refer specifically to Hansen type one disc disease. Disc herniations can also be classified according to location: cervical (neck), thoracolumbar (mid-back) or lumbo-sacral (lower back).</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"><div style="text-align: center;" class="image"><img height="auto" style="" src="https://cms-uvc-prod-asset.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/1768335108138-3441b27e-a5f6-4d19-9cb5-2beeea316997-10.png" flipx="false" flipy="false" align="center" inline="false"></div></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><h2 dir="auto"><strong>Cervical Disc Disease</strong></h2><h4 dir="auto"><strong>Clinical signs of cervical IVDD</strong></h4><p dir="auto">Clinical signs associated with Hansen type one (small breed) cervical IVDD vary depending the exact location and force of the disc herniation and the amount of material herniated. Often the clinical signs appear suddenly and include neck pain, crying out when moving or being picked up, and an extremely stiff neck. The head is often held in a downward position and a front limb lameness may be present. Tetraparesis (stumbling on all four limbs) is possible but uncommon. Dogs with cervical IVDD are almost always ambulatory (walking).</p><h4 dir="auto"><strong>Diagnosis of cervical IVDD</strong></h4><p dir="auto">Numerous imaging modalities can be used to diagnose cervical IVDD. Plain radiographs (X-rays) are a useful screening tool but usually are not accurate in obtaining a conclusive diagnosis. Computerized tomography (CT) is quite accurate in diagnosing cervical IVDD in small breed dogs (figure 3). Contrast media is often used in conjunction with CT imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is also used to diagnose canine spinal disorders but is most applicable in large breed dogs, lumbosacral IVDD and neoplasia.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"><div style="text-align: center;" class="image"><img height="auto" style="" src="https://cms-uvc-prod-asset.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/1770759371566-2e72fa71-4ad8-496f-a064-777a72a45941-10.jpg" flipx="false" flipy="false" align="center" inline="false"></div></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><h4 dir="auto"><strong>Treatment Options for Cervical IVDD</strong></h4><p dir="auto">The treatment options for cervical IVDD are variable depending on the severity of the clinical signs, duration of clinical signs and number of recurrences. Dogs with mild neck pain should be treated conservatively with cage confinement, acupuncture, possibly corticosteroids and pain medications as needed. In cases where the pain is severe and/or neurologic deficits, are present such as stumbling while walking, surgical decompression is recommended. In cases of multiple recurrences, surgery is also recommended.</p><p dir="auto">Surgery involves making a small opening through the ventral (underside) aspect of the vertebra allowing access to the spinal canal and herniated disc. The actual name of the procedure is ventral slot. Most animals spend one night in ICU and are able go home the following day.</p><h4 dir="auto"><strong>Recovery and Prognosis for Cervical IVDD Surgery</strong></h4><p dir="auto">The day following surgery most patients are comfortable and able to return home. Crate confinement with occasional short leash walks is recommended for the first several weeks following surgery (lap sitting is encouraged). Most dogs can return to full function after 4 weeks.</p><p dir="auto">Overall the prognosis is excellent following surgery. Additional subsequent disc herniations are possible and studies suggest the probability is about 15%.</p><h2 dir="auto"><strong>Thoracolumbar Disc Disease</strong></h2><h4 dir="auto" style="line-height: 24px"><strong>Clinical Signs of Thoracolumbar (Mid-Dack) IVDD</strong></h4><p dir="auto">Clinical signs of thoracolumbar (mid-back) intervertebral IVDD range from pain to complete paralysis and often develop rapidly. In mild cases, dogs have back pain only. In more advanced cases, the patient is ambulatory but staggers on the rear limbs. In more severe cases, paraplegia (inability to use the rear limbs) is present. In the most severe cases paraplegia is present and deep pain sensation is lost. It is not uncommon for the clinical signs to progress from pain only, to paraplegia over 12-24 hours.</p><h4 dir="auto" style="line-height: 24px"><strong>Diagnosis of Thoracolumbar IVDD</strong></h4><p dir="auto">Numerous imaging modalities can be used to diagnose thoracolumbar IVDD. Plain radiographs (X-rays) are a useful screening tool but usually are not accurate in obtaining a conclusive diagnosis. Computerized tomography (CT) is quite accurate in diagnosing thoracolumbar IVDD in small breed dogs (figure 4). Contrast media is often used in conjunction with CT imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is also used to diagnose canine spinal disorders but is most applicable in large breed dogs, lumbosacral IVDD and neoplasia.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"><div style="text-align: center;" class="image"><img height="auto" style="" src="https://cms-uvc-prod-asset.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/1771625837146-a7d6bece-22e2-4acb-aa95-f38a86a93326-10.jpg" flipx="false" flipy="false" align="center" inline="false"></div></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><h4 dir="auto" style="line-height: 24px"><strong>Treatment Options of Thoracolumbar IVDD</strong></h4><p dir="auto">The treatment options for thoracolumbar IVDD are variable depending on the severity and duration of the clinical signs. Dogs with back pain only, should be treated conservatively with cage confinement, acupuncture, possibly corticosteroids and pain medications as needed. These patients should be closely monitored for progression of clinical signs. In cases where neurologic deficits are present, such as stumbling while walking the decision between conservative management and surgical intervention become somewhat opiniated and vague. If clinical signs are rapidly deteriorating, for example going from pain only to stumbling (paresis) over several hours, surgical decompression should be considered. In animals unable to walk, surgery is recommended within 12-24 hours.</p><p dir="auto">Surgery involves a small surgical approach to spine followed by burring away the lamina (side portion of the vertebra), thereby exposing the spinal cord and herniated disc material. The material is gently removed from the spinal canal. The procedure is called a hemilaminectomy. Most animals spend one night in ICU and are able go home the following day.</p><div class="embed-script-block embed-script-block--video embed-script-block--align-center " data-type="embed-script" data-content="&lt;iframe 
  width=&quot;100%&quot; 
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&lt;/iframe&gt;" data-title="Vimeo Video" data-embed-type="video" data-video-url="https://vimeo.com/440726739" data-width="100%" data-align="center" data-inline="false" style="width: 100%; max-width: 100%; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><iframe class="embed-script-output-frame embed-script-output-frame--video" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/440726739" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 16/9; max-width: 100%; border: none; display: block;"></iframe></div><h4 dir="auto" style="line-height: 24px"><strong>Recovery and Prognosis</strong></h4><p dir="auto">The day following surgery most patients are comfortable and able to return home. A urinary catheter is typically left in place for 5-7 days. Crate confinement is recommended for the first several weeks following surgery (lap sitting is encouraged). Use of the hind limbs is often present after two weeks although the return to functional walking may take up to 4 weeks. Most dogs can return to full function after about 6-8 weeks.</p><p dir="auto">The prognosis for non-ambulatory, deep pain present dogs with thoracolumbar IVDD is excellent. In a series of 50 surgical cases followed at Colorado Canine Orthopedics, 98% of dogs that had deep pain sensation at the time of surgery returned to walking. Dogs that have lost deep pain sensation have a less favorable prognosis, and although the exact percentage if not well established, approximately 50 percent of return to some level of functional walking. Additional subsequent disc herniations are possible and studies suggest the probability is about 15%.</p><div class="columns" cols="2"><div class="column" index="0"><h2 dir="auto"><strong>Costs for IVDD surgery</strong></h2><p dir="auto">Surgical costs for small breed IVDD surgery vary depending on the extent of the injury. We will provide information about costs for your dog’s case at your consultation. Please feel free to contact us with questions.</p><p dir="auto">At Colorado Canine Orthopedics we are committed to providing only state of the art, non-compromised pet healthcare. We realize some pet owners may find this level of care relatively costly. However, despite the inherently expensive nature of our work, we are dedicated to providing the highest level of care at the most affordable price possible. We believe if you compare our fees to other specialty practices you will find this true.</p></div><div class="column" index="1"><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"><div style="text-align: center;" class="image"><img height="auto" style="" src="https://cms-uvc-prod-asset.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/1759452989879-faab133b-d301-490c-9d9f-cfcd5c059609-9.png" flipx="false" flipy="false" width="200" align="center" inline="false"></div></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p></div></div><p dir="auto"></p>

At Colorado Canine Orthopedics, we are able to perform spinal surgery on many small breed dogs. There may be cases that need to be referred to a neurologist, but we will always recommend what is the best choice for your dog's well being and prognosis. 

Intervertebral Disc Disease

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This is what we do every day so we are able to provide the best Orthopedic care for your pet.

Advanced techniques mean most of our patients can go home the same day after surgery!

We care about our patients and treat them like they are our own pets. Lots of pet love here!

We perform CT scans, musculoskeletal ultrasounds, fluoroscopy, & arthroscopy to confirm the diagnosis.

We recognize and honor the opinions, values, and boundaries of all.

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At all times, in all ways, we are honest, ethical, and committed to our high standards.

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By treating others with sympathy and sensitivity, we employ a strong bond between all parties.

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Every day, in every way no matter big or small, we aim to be better than the day before.

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<p>Colorado Canine Orthopedics accepts cash as well as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit cards.</p>

<p>Pet Insurance is different than human insurance. With any appointment or surgical procedure, payment in full will be collected at the time of service and the client would send that information to their Pet Insurance provider for reimbursement.</p>

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At Colorado Canine Orthopedics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating canine ACL tears with advanced orthopedic techniques. Our board-certified surgeons bring decades of experience to every case, helping dogs of all breeds recover faster and return to active lives. Learn more about our approach and schedule your dog's consultation today to get them moving comfortably again.

ACL Tears

Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) is the optimal treatment for dogs with ACL tears.

TPLO

Colorado Canine Orthopedics offers expert diagnosis and advanced treatment for canine hip dysplasia, a common genetic joint condition causing pain and mobility issues in dogs. Tailored surgical and non-surgical options help reduce discomfort and improve quality of life. Contact us today to protect your dog's hips and keep them active.

Hip Dysplasia

Colorado Canine Orthopedics, located in Colorado Springs, offers expert canine total hip replacement surgery to relieve pain and restore mobility for dogs with hip dysplasia or chronic joint issues. Performed by board-certified orthopedic surgeons using advanced techniques, most pets regain full function and return home quickly after surgery.

Total Hip Replacement

Colorado Canine Orthopedics provides expert diagnosis and advanced surgical treatment for medial patella luxation in dogs. Learn about symptoms, causes, grading, and corrective procedures designed to restore knee stability, reduce pain, and improve mobility. Trusted canine orthopedic specialists delivering comprehensive care for patellar luxation in Colorado.

Patella Luxation

Canine elbow dysplasia is a hereditary developmental joint condition that causes abnormal bone alignment and cartilage wear, leading to forelimb lameness, pain, limited range of motion, and osteoarthritis in medium to large breed dogs. The service page highlights advanced diagnosis and surgical and non-surgical treatment options to manage this condition and improve canine mobility.

Elbow Dysplasia

Canine shoulder disorders include juvenile osteochondritis dissecans, athletic injuries, tendinopathies, medial shoulder instability and bicipital tendon issues in dogs, with diagnosis by exam, imaging, ultrasound or arthroscopy and advanced treatments to restore mobility and reduce pain at Colorado Canine Orthopedics.

Shoulder Disorders

Colorado Canine Orthopedics provides expert care for dogs with fractures and dislocations. Our board-certified surgeons use advanced imaging and proven surgical techniques to repair broken bones and joint injuries, relieve pain, and restore mobility. We create personalized treatment plans to help your dog heal safely and return to an active life.

Fractures and Dislocations

Arthroscopy at Colorado Canine Orthopedics offers advanced minimally invasive joint surgery for dogs using a tiny camera and tools to diagnose and treat conditions like ligament tears, cartilage damage, and dysplasia. This precise procedure improves diagnosis, reduces recovery time, and enhances joint health.

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Intervertebral Disc Disease