Herniated discs, or herniated discs into the spinal canal, are the most common neurological syndromes in dogs. The disease is especially common in dogs with cartilage dystrophy, with clinical manifestations of spinal cord-related pain, ataxia, partial paralysis, and even paralysis or myelomalacia.

【Basic Information】

Family: Motor System Diseases

Symptoms: Inflammation of the meninges, compression of nerve roots, back pain, paresis

【Causes】

The etiology of intervertebral disc degeneration is unclear. With the increase of age, the intervertebral disc center - nucleus pulposus urban area becomes stainable to safranin-O dye, and the surface proteoglycan content decreases. The outer layer of the intervertebral disc, the annulus fibrosus, has fissures or fissures through which the nucleus pulposus protrudes around. With age, a nucleus pulposus mass can protrude into the spinal canal, compressing the spinal cord.

【Main Symptoms】

Disc herniation often occurs on the lateral, posterior and ventral sides. Lateral herniation occasionally causes clinical symptoms, but most dorsal disc herniations result in overt clinical symptoms, manifested by inflammation of the meninges and compression of the nerve roots or spinal cord. Common clinical symptoms include back pain, inability to start, paralysis, and upper motor neuron syndrome. Lower motor neuron disease can cause bladder relaxation and urinary incontinence.

【Diagnostic Criteria】

The diagnosis can be made by history and clinical examination. Neurological and imaging studies can help localize the injury site. Imaging findings included stenosis, extrusion, intervertebral space and articular surface collapse, foraminal stenosis and intraspinal calcified material. Myelography is required to determine spinal cord injury, especially multiple site injuries.

【Treatment】

Conservative treatment relies on forced rest to relieve inflammation and fibrosis to stabilize herniated discs. Measures include restricting animal movement, reducing animal body weight, and judiciously administering drugs such as analgesics. Anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants can also be used prudently while restricting animal movement. Clinical deterioration due to excessive exercise is common in dogs treated with medication alone.