Disease Ontology ID: DDTO:0001117

Disease Description: A disease where the discs between the vetebra are abnormal and prone to rupture and misplacement.

Inherit Mode: Unknown.

Disease Symptom: The clinical signs vary, depending on whether there is type I or II IVDD, where in the spine the herniation occurs, and the extent of the protrusion of disk material into the spinal canal. Signs with type I generally develop more quickly (over hours or even minutes) and are more severe. Depending on the location and extent of the pressure on the spinal cord, there may be pain in the neck region, lack of pain sensation in the limbs, and weakness or paralysis in any or all limbs. This is a very serious disease, which may result in permanent hindlimb paralysis and incontinence if left untreated. While confinement may help initially in some cases, surgery is often required to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. The outcome will depend on a number of factors (including the severity of clinical signs, whether pain perception is still present, and length of time between the onset of clinical signs and surgery, to name a few). While surgery may restore the animal to normal function, it is not always successful. With type II IVDD, clinical signs usually develop slowly over months. Again there may be pain, and weakness or paralysis in any or all limbs.

Disease Cause: -

Disease Diagnose: Your veterinarian will strongly suspect spinal cord compression due to intervertebral disk disease if your chondrodystrophoid-breed dog presents with neck or back pain, +/- hindlimb weakness or paralysis. Your dog may also become incontinent. Your veterinarian will examine your dog, and perform a neurologic exam to test your dog’s reflexes and the function of nerves. The absence or in some cases, heightening, of reflexes will help to determine where the pressure on the spinal cord is occurring. Plain x-rays of the vertebral column are taken of suspect areas, to locate abnormalities of the vertebrae or mineralization of the intervertebral discs. A specialized radiographic technique calledmyelographyis necessary to pinpoint the areas of spinal cord compression, if surgical repair is being considered. In order to do a myelogram, your dog is anesthetized, dye is injected into the spinal canal, and x-rays are taken which will show the exact location(s) of spinal cord compression. A spinal tap, also performed under general anesthesia, is done to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid and rule out other causes of your dog's spinal cord disease. Your veterinarian may refer you to a veterinary referral centre for these specialized radiographic techniques, and for possible surgery.

Treat Method: Treatment depends on several factors, including the extent and duration of clinical signs, and the findings on neurologic and radiographic examination.Surgery is the only way to remove disc material which is compressing the spinal cord, but surgery is not necessarily the first treatment of choice. Medical treatment may be successful when there is only mild to moderate pain, and no weakness or paralysis. Medical, or conservative, treatment consists of anti-inflammatory medication in combination with strict cage rest (your dog will be confined to a cage, and let out only to urinate and defecate while on a leash). If your dog's condition worsens, or there is no sign of improvement within a week or so, surgical treatment should be considered. Surgery will be recommended, and will be necessary, if your dog shows more severe neurologic signs, or if your dog has repeated episodes of pain and muscle weakness. Where there is paralysis and loss of deep pain sensation, surgery to remove the pressure on the spinal cord should be performed within 24 hours, or there is likely to be permanent nerve damage. The prognosis (prospect for recovery) after surgery ranges from fair to good, depending on factors such as the severity of clinical signs before surgery, the rapidity with which the signs developed, and the length of the interval between the onset of problems and surgery. Where there has been paralysis and loss of deep pain perception for more than 24 hours, surgery is not likely to result in improvement. Once your veterinarian has examined your dog, s/he will discuss treatment options with you. If surgery appears to be the best option, she will likely discuss with you referral to an appropriate surgical facility, because of the specialized radiographic and surgical techniques required. With either surgical or medical treatment, intensive nursing care will be required.

Breeder Advice: It is difficult to make breeding recommendations because, although the condition is common in some breeds, a mode of inheritance has not been determined. It is best to avoid breeding affected animals, and to carefully scrutinize their close relatives before including them in a breeding programme.

Disease Description Source: Link