Has your Coton experienced IVDD?

by Cathy
(France)

I was wondering if any Coton parents have experienced IVDD. Our 5 year old female had emergency surgery for a herniated disc in April and was completely paralyzed. It happened out of the blue and our breeder told us that it is her first case. Genetic testing for IVDD evidently not available here. She is now recovering and can walk but I am told there is chance of a relapse.

I can’t find anything online about IVDD experiences in Coton de Tulears and would very much appreciate reading or hearing about how others have dealt with this and avoided recurrence. Thank you. Cathy

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Jun 27, 2025
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IVDD NEW
by: Anonymous

I'm so sorry that you are going through this. Our 7 year old coton has had 2 surgeries for herniated disks and 1 episode in between the two where she was able to heal with 8 weeks of crate rest and medication. Each time it was a different disk. All of this has happened over the course of less than 2 years. Her last surgery was one year ago, and she is doing fine. So what I want to share is that we have seen a number of specialists and understand that surgery is a last resort when the dog is either unable to walk or dragging their back legs badly. If conservative treatment (8 weeks of crate rest with only guided short walks for potty breaks is possible, it is the best and safest route to go). It is really important to try to find a specialist, either a veterinary neurologist or a surgeon with IVDD experience. Finding the right Dr made all of the difference for us.
You have probably already advised you to avoid rough play, too much running and to avoid jumping and stairs. I hope that your coton will heal as quickly as possible.

Jun 27, 2025
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IVDD at 13
by: Anonymous

IVDD was diagnosed in 2018 with not much to do as it was infrequent bouts & suddenly at just 13 years, I am having to decide to drug up & surgery after first more x-rays and needles for blood work & then going under b/c he won't lay on his back voluntarily and then get the annual shots needed for where I live...or? No one can say what to do and at 13 I do not think surgery is a best option for my baby. Still eats but since the emergency trip to the vet last week after someone (stranger) pet him the wrong way we are on doggie morphine and my vet has that look.... he's on gabapentin and carprophen now & only wants people food (chicken breast). I tetter on what is kindest for him. I do not what to give up but I do not want to be selfish. I now just learned (internet) his bow legs are luxating patella- so there is that. Advise?

May 14, 2025
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IVDD NEW
by: Anonymous

My seven year old Coton just experienced IVDD surgery on two places in his spine. You need an MRI to diagnose it and a neurologist. He is doing ok bu t wobbles when he walks. Just a week out of surgery.

May 27, 2023
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Herniated disc NEW
by: Virginia

That is interesting that you posted this. We came home from a trip 3 weeks ago and our Cotons met us at the door of our children’s house, tails wagging, so excited,etc! All of a sudden our 7 year old let out a squeal that we had never heard before. Well, I carefully scooped her up and she had lost bladder control and her little back legs were together , like she was paralyzed! Our son and I rushed her to the vet, while my husband stayed back with our other Coton. Of course, I was scared to death. They gave her some shots, took X-rays and sent us home. I followed up with our regular vet 2 days later. She agreed with the ER vet for crate rest for 2 weeks and a follow up visit. Then one more week of crate rest. Well, she can walk but you can tell something is wrong, but she doesn’t squeal and we are only taking her on short walks. She has never, ever had any type of problems before. Sure hope she doesn’t need surgery, but if she does, we will take her to the vet school at Auburn Univ.

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