Intervertebral Disc Disease
The most common problem associated with intervertebral disc disease in dogs is paralysis (complete or incomplete) of the rear legs. The problem can occur in any dog, however dachshunds, pekingese, beagles, cocker spaniels, and poodles appear to be more commonly affected.
Dachshund with Symptoms of Intervertebral Disc Disease
The bones of the back (vertebrae) are joined together by muscles and fibrocartilaginous material called a disc. These discs are located between successive vertebrae and in a healthy animal, function like shock absorbers.
The backbone consists of numerous vertebrae, beginning at the top of the neck and ending at the tip of the tail. The function of the vertebrae is to protect the spinal cord from injury.
Intervertebral disc disease occurs when the intervertebral disc slips and applies pressure directly to the spinal cord or the nerve roots. This pressure causes pain and / or some degree of paralysis.
Spinal Cord Showing Slipped Disc
The clinical symptoms correspond to the location of the injury. Very often the injury occurs in the mid or lower back, causing back pain and partial or total paralysis of the rear legs.
Position Associated with Posterior Paresis
Immediate surgical intervention is valuable for dogs that present acute paralytic symptoms. Chronic, long-term compressive injuries generally cause irreversible spinal cord damage. Surgery on chronic lesions rarely produces satisfactory results.
A thorough neurologic exam (with x-rays) is required to diagnose intervertebral disc disease. Often, special x-rays (myelograph) are needed to locate the area of the spinal cord that is affected.
Myelogram Showing Compression of Vertebrae
Treatment for spinal cord injuries depend upon many factors. The age of the animal, the severity of the symptoms, and the time interval from when the symptoms appeared to the time of the veterinary exam, are important in determining whether surgery should be performed.