Spotlight: Dr. Gaemia Tracy Breaks Down IVDD in Dogs

Sep 13

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is one of the most frequently diagnosed neurologic conditions in dogs, particularly in breeds like Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, and Beagles. For veterinarians, IVDD often presents a clinical challenge—requiring rapid recognition, clear client communication, and timely decision-making on whether medical management or surgical referral is the best path forward.

In Vet Candy’s newest video, Dr. Gaemia Tracy, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology), takes veterinarians inside the clinical reasoning behind IVDD cases, offering practical insights that can be applied immediately in practice.

Key Highlights from Dr. Tracy’s Presentation

Pathophysiology & Risk Factors
Dr. Tracy reviews the underlying mechanisms of IVDD, emphasizing breed predispositions and age-related changes that influence disc health and disease onset.
Clinical Presentation
She explains how to distinguish IVDD from other causes of spinal pain, paresis, or ataxia, and shares red flags that should prompt urgent intervention.
Diagnostics
From neurologic exams to imaging, Dr. Tracy outlines what general practitioners can do in-house and when to recommend advanced diagnostics such as MRI or CT.
Treatment Options
The discussion covers conservative management strategies, indications for surgery, and how to set realistic expectations with pet owners navigating difficult decisions.
Prognosis & Long-Term Management
Dr. Tracy provides practical advice on rehabilitation, pain management, and strategies to minimize recurrence—equipping veterinarians to support their patients beyond the acute episode.

Why This Video Matters

For many general practitioners, IVDD is a condition they see often, but it can range from mild spinal pain to acute paralysis. Dr. Tracy’s guidance not only sharpens diagnostic and treatment skills but also helps veterinarians feel more confident leading client conversations during high-stress situations.

By bridging specialty-level neurology knowledge with real-world practicality, this video serves as a valuable continuing education resource for clinicians across all practice settings.