Cervical Spinal Disease—Intervertebral Disc Disease

Who is usually affected?
-Younger to middle aged dogs
-Most commonly found in Dachshunds, Lhaso Apsos, and Beagles

What is happening?
-Cartilage discs that are normally positioned between the bones of the spinal column in the neck (cervical vertebrae) break down and rupture (herniate) into the spinal canal
-Disc material places pressure on the spinal cord
-Disc pressure causes inflammation, pain, and sometimes dysfunction of nerves

Clinical signs you might notice in your pet
-Reluctance to raise the head or move it side-to-side
-Abnormal neck posture, most often the neck is held parallel to the ground
-Weakness and/or incoordination of the hind or front legs causing an awkward walk
-In severe cases, inability to stand or walk

*SEVERE PAIN OR LIMB WEAKNESS IS AN EMERGENCY CONDITION. TAKE YOUR ANIMAL IMMEDIATELY TO THE CLOSEST A VETERINARIAN EMERGENCY CLINIC*

Myelographic appearance of a cervical intervertebral disc herniation at C2-3 Click to enlarge

Diagnosis
-Careful neurological examination to assess the patient for pain and loss of nerve
function
-X-rays are used to examine the bones of the spine, this is usually combined with a
special x-ray study using a contrast liquid (myelogram) to examine the spinal cord
-In some cases, CT or MRI scanning may be appropriate

Surgical treatment
-Removal of herniated disc material through a small hole drilled in the vertebral body
(ventral slot decompression)

Special postoperative care
-Patient activity is limited to short harness walks for 4-8 weeks
-Assistance with urination may be necessary in some cases, this usually involves the
application of pressure to the abdomen to aid with bladder emptying
-Physical therapy will likely be prescribed for pets that are unable to move their legs
appropriately

Expected results with surgery
-Neck pain relief
-A return to normal walking is very likely if the patient was able to feel his/her legs prior to surgery
-Maximal recovery may take weeks to months to occur because nervous tissue heals slowly in comparison to most other tissues in the body