***YOU ARE HEARING ME TALK***

I need help reacting to something.

Tell me what you think of this:

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Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) is a common condition in dachshunds and other small dog breeds. It is caused by a degeneration of the discs that cushion the vertebrae in the spine, which can lead to pain, weakness, and difficulty moving. If left untreated, IVDD can cause paralysis and other serious complications.

The exact cause of IVDD is not fully understood, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Dachshunds and other small breeds are more susceptible to IVDD due to their longer spine and shorter legs. Other potential causes of IVDD include trauma, obesity, and improper nutrition. It is important for dachshund owners to keep their dogs at a healthy weight and provide them with a balanced diet to help prevent IVDD and other spinal problems.

The signs of IVDD in dogs can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the individual dog. Common signs of IVDD include:

• Pain or discomfort, especially when the spine is touched or manipulated

• Weakness or difficulty moving

• Loss of coordination or difficulty walking

• Loss of bladder or bowel control

• Loss of sensation in the limbs

• Loss of appetite

• Depression or changes in behavior

If your dog is showing any of these signs, it is important to consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment of IVDD can help prevent complications and improve your dog's quality of life.  

IVDD can cause a number of complications, including pain, weakness, and difficulty moving. If left untreated, IVDD can progress and cause paralysis, loss of bladder and bowel control, and other serious complications. In severe cases, IVDD can be life-threatening. It is important to consult with a veterinarian if your dog is showing signs of IVDD and to follow their recommended treatment plan to prevent complications and manage the condition.

Dachshunds and other small breeds are most susceptible to IVDD due to their longer spine and shorter legs. Other dog breeds that are at increased risk for IVDD include Basset Hounds, Beagles, Corgis, and Shih Tzus. However, any dog can develop IVDD, regardless of breed, and it is important to monitor your dog for signs of the condition and to consult with a veterinarian if you have any concerns.

The best way to prevent IVDD in dachshunds is to provide your dog with a balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight. Exercise is also important for maintaining your dachshund's overall health and can help prevent IVDD and other spinal problems. Avoiding activities that put excessive strain on your dachshund's spine, such as jumping or rough play, can also help prevent IVDD. If your dachshund is prone to IVDD or has a history of the condition in their family, it may be helpful to talk to your veterinarian about ways to prevent or manage the disease.

IVDD is a chronic condition that cannot be cured, but it can be managed with appropriate treatment. The goal of treatment for IVDD in dogs is to alleviate pain, prevent complications, and improve your dog's quality of life. In some cases, IVDD may progress to the point where surgery is necessary to remove the damaged disc and alleviate pressure on the spine. Even after surgery, your dog will still be at risk for developing IVDD in the future, and will need to be monitored closely by a veterinarian. With appropriate treatment and management, many dogs with IVDD are able to live long and happy lives.

The three best treatments for IVDD in dogs will depend on the severity of the condition and the individual needs of your dog. It is important to consult with a veterinarian if your dog is showing signs of IVDD, as the condition can progress quickly and can be life-threatening if left untreated. Treatment options for IVDD in dogs may include:

1. Rest and confinement: In the early stages of IVDD, your veterinarian may recommend restricting your dog's activity and keeping them confined to a small space to prevent further damage to the spine.

2. Pain management: Pain medication can be used to help manage your dog's discomfort and improve their quality of life.

3. Surgery: In severe cases of IVDD, surgery may be necessary to remove the damaged disc and alleviate pressure on the spine. This can help prevent paralysis and other complications.

Again, it is important to consult with a veterinarian if your dog is showing signs of IVDD, as the appropriate treatment will depend on the individual needs of your dog.

Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the body's natural healing response. Some people believe that acupuncture can be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including IVDD in dogs. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support the use of acupuncture for IVDD in dogs. It is important to consult with a veterinarian before using acupuncture as a treatment for IVDD or any other condition in your dog. Your veterinarian can help you determine the best course of treatment for your dog's specific needs.

Physical therapy can be an effective treatment for dogs with IVDD. Physical therapy for dogs with IVDD typically involves exercises and activities that help to improve strength, flexibility, and mobility. This can help your dog to maintain or regain function in their spine and limbs, and can improve their overall quality of life. Physical therapy can be used in combination with other treatments, such as medication and surgery, to help manage the symptoms of IVDD. It is important to work closely with a veterinarian and a qualified animal physical therapist to develop a physical therapy plan that is tailored to your dog's individual needs.

The cost of IVDD surgery in dogs will vary depending on the severity of the condition, the type of surgery performed, and other factors. In general, surgery for IVDD in dogs can be quite expensive, with costs ranging from several thousand dollars to over $10,000. It is important to discuss the cost of surgery with your veterinarian and explore all available options before deciding on a course of treatment for your dog. Some veterinarians may offer financing options or payment plans to help make the cost of IVDD surgery more manageable.

If your dog has been diagnosed with IVDD, it is important to work closely with a veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment. In most cases, IVDD can be managed with a combination of rest, medication, and physical therapy. While IVDD can be a serious condition, it does not necessarily mean that your dog needs to be euthanized. Euthanasia should only be considered as a last resort after all other treatment options have been exhausted and your dog is experiencing severe pain and suffering that cannot be relieved. It is important to discuss all of your options with your veterinarian and make a decision that is in the best interests of your dog.

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This is a topic that I've researched quite a bit on my own, just so you know. Partly to provide an example for my English students to read as they write their own essays. Also, because we've had three weenie dogs, and two of them have suffered from IVDD. One dog, unfortunately, we had to have put down, but the second is still alive, and while she walks with a funny gait from time to time, she's still kicking.

I don't remember how long it took me to research the sample essay I wrote, but I'm sure it was several hours. And I had the time to do it. And am an old hand at writing essays. And knew what I wanted to produce from the beginning, so I could easily suss good information from stuff that wouldn't be useful.

The essay above -- just over 1,100 words, granted without citations -- I "wrote" in about twenty minutes, using an open AI engine online.

This is something English departments need to reckon with. Now.

How to do that?

Dunno. But maybe reconsider the traditional essay assignment.

Maybe my fears are overblown. maybe these engines will produce the same content over and over again, and services like Turnitin will begin recognizing it as plagiarized.

But maybe not.

And no, it's not a perfect essay. There are no citations. When I asked this particular engine for experts, or citations, I got this response every time:

I'm sorry, but I am not able to browse the internet or access any expert opinions on this topic. I am a large language model trained by OpenAI and my knowledge is based on the text that I have been trained on. I can provide general information about IVDD in dachshunds, but I cannot cite specific experts or research on the topic.

But we're fools to think there isn't AI out there capable of finding and citing the experts and producing essays that are essentially what are asked for in your standard English class. I've even heard that the AI I'm using is capable of that, just have to figure it out.

I don't know where I'm going with this. Just thinking about it. But it's potential for use in academic fraud is immeasurable.