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Surgery Library


Canine Spinal Cord Disease
Matt G. Oakes, DVM, ACVS
Kimberly R. Cox, DVM, ACVS

Clinical Signs:
Spinal cord disease in the dog results in a variety of clinical signs depending on the location and type of disease process. Affected dogs may be painful and reluctant to move. Occasionally, they may hold up a leg and appear lame if a nerve is pinched. As severity of signs progress, the dog may appear weak in the rear legs or all four limbs, and partial to total paralysis can develop. In the most severe cases, the dog may lose feeling in the affected limbs. Varying degrees of loss of bowel and bladder function may also occur. Possible diseases include ruptured interveterbal disc, tumor, fibrocartilaginous embolus, infection, trauma and degenerative myelopathy.

Diagnosis:
A neurological examination is performed to localize the problem in the spinal cord. This may not, however, demonstrate the specific problem nor the chances of recovery with medical or surgical treatment. Radiographs and spinal fluid analysis may be necessary to further define the disease. General anesthesia is required for these procedures to allow proper positioning and patient comfort.

Myelogram:
A myelogram is a radiographic dye study of the spinal cord. With the patient under anesthesia, a dye is injected into the space surrounding the spinal cord which contains cerebrospinal fluid. Radiographs are then taken which reveal an outline of the spinal cord. Abnormalities such as disc ruptures and tumors can be seen with a myelogram.

Medical Treatment:
Medical management is used in some spinal cord diseases. This consists of strict cage confinement, and medication to relieve spinal cord swelling and muscle spasms. The pet should be carried or assisted outside for bowel and bladder elimination.

If signs of neurological deterioration occur, your veterinarian should be notified immediately. The patient should be closely monitored and evaluated as they progress. Sufficient time should elapse before patient is returned to normal activity.

Surgical Treatment:
A decision to go to surgery generally depends on the severity of neurological signs or lack of response to medical treatment. The goal is to identify and remove the material in the spinal canal and relieve pressure on the spinal cord. There are several techniques used, depending on the location and nature of the problem.

Most of the procedures involve removal of some of the bony covering of the spinal cord to allow visualization of the cord, and removal of the offending material. Most patients recover completely enough to lead normal lives. Some may have mild, permanent disabilities. A prognosis for your pet's chances for full recovery is given after the neurological examination. The minimum goal is to eliminate pain and allow the patient to walk unassisted and have control of bowel and bladder function.

Post-Operative Care:
It is important to realize that most patients take weeks to months to fully recover from spinal surgery. When your pet goes home, they usually need to stay quiet and confined in a crate or small room for 3 to 4 weeks. A clean, well-padded area should also be provided. The rest period allows time for the surgical site to heal and for spinal cord function to improve.

If your pet is taking a corticosteroid, expect an increase in water intake and urination. If gastrointestinal problems occur, stop the medication and contact your veterinarian.

Some patients need assistance in urination, and this will be demonstrated when needed. Antibiotics are used if necessary to control urinary infections. Towel walking, physical therapy, swimming, and weight loss may be recommended.

Prognosis:
Every case is different in their response to medical and surgical treatment. An accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment is important to optimize the outcome. The goal is to restore maximum neurologic function and comfort.

Dogs that have had surgery for disc disease can develop another disc rupture. The chance of recurrent disc rupture can be decreased by weight control and exercise moderation (decreased jumping and vigorous activity).

Spinal cord disease is a very serious problem, but many dogs can be helped significantly by medical or surgical interventions. Managing patients with spinal cord disease is a cooperative effort between the owner, referring veterinarian, and the surgeon.