Spinal Disc Rupture in Dogs
Rupture or herniation (bulge) of the inter-vertebral disc (a soft cushion but hard when calcifies) is the result of injury, trauma, fall or a blow to the back or spine especially in the dachshund, pekinese, and similar breeds with long back. The ruptured disc bulge causes compression on the spinal cord, causing pain or paralysis. The disc disease of neck and mid spine are most common.
Diagnosis of disc disease is based on the history, a neurological examination, plain radiographs (X-rays), myelogram (injection of a dye) or an MRI.
The treatment can be either medical or surgical. Medical management is indicated in pets with only mild pain or minor symptom but the surgery should be considered in patients showing severe or progressively worsening symptoms.
The recovery of pet depends upon the overall health, severity of the injury to spinalcord , duration of the injury and the post-operative management of the patient for confinement and rehibilitation.
Please call us if your pets has some injury to the back for evaluation, survey radiographs and initial assessment.