What is the origin of intervertebral disc herniation in 
and
dogs? There are three types of disc herniation in
dogs, one of which is caused by trauma. The other two may be related to tendency, but may be related to other factors. Regardless of the type, disc herniation is painful for animals. The chance of the latter to resume activity and normal life depends on the discovery and treatment stage of the disease. How does intervertebral disc herniation occur in
dogs? The
spine is the spine of a dog, separated by intervertebral discs. When one of the intervertebral discs begins to compress the spinal cord, we call it disc herniation. Compression occurs when the ring constituting the intervertebral disc is torn.
it may cause severe pain in dogs, And more or less dyskinesia and proprioceptive deficits (the ability to be aware of the body’s position in space), including complete paralysis of the limbs. If the intervertebral disc compresses the lower part of the spinal cord, 2 hind legs are affected. On the other hand, if the problem occurs in the neck, all legs will be affected. The veterinarian will notice hernia and back fever caused by inflammation. Pain during palpation may cause animals to show unusual aggression.
and
dogs have three different forms of disc herniation. The first is the so-called Hansen type I, which usually occurs around the age of 3 or 4. It is characterized by calcification of the heart (nucleus pulposus) of the intervertebral disc and damage to its fibrous ring.
; the second is Hansen type II intervertebral disc herniation, Occurs when the annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc thickens, resulting in compression of the spinal cord. It may occur in dogs aged 6 or 7.
about the third and last form of disc herniation, which is the result of trauma: falls, accidents… In this case, it is also called explosive hernia.
what are the symptoms of dogs with disc herniation?
in the early stage, intervertebral disc herniation can make dogs feel uncomfortable or painful. He expressed this with groans. When he was pulled out, he might show reluctance. The difficulties in the movement of
and
gradually appeared later. If the disease is not treated, it will worsen over time; Dogs can move their paws, but their ability to move is getting weaker and weaker. Similarly, if we do not act, we will enter the next stage, paralysis. Animals may subsequently become incontinent. These neurological defects appear in the proportion of 1 to 5 points:
abdominal tension (indicating pain), back bending and spinal allergy; Animals can still move, but it is difficult to move, showing uncoordinated movement; This animal shows severe muscle ataxia, unable to move, but still able to move voluntarily; The limbs affected by hernia were completely paralyzed and there was no voluntary activity, but the animals still felt pain; In most diseases, the earlier the diagnosis and treatment of intervertebral disc herniation are found and treated, the greater the chance of cure and the fewer sequelae.T.T. Then the dog can walk again.
at the time of diagnosis, the animal will undergo a comprehensive neurological examination to ensure that the disease is related to the nervous system and spinal cord. Therefore, proprioceptive examination should be performed to ensure bilateral and symmetry.
if the dog is suspected of intervertebral disc herniation, it should be diagnosed by MRI or CT. Myelography is also a possible imaging method, but it is less and less used.
if disc herniation is confirmed, the treatment method is
drug to treat hernia only in stage 1 or 2: in this case, the veterinarian will prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, Painkillers and muscle relaxants and dogs must maintain a strict rest for 6 weeks (cage therapy) to ensure good healing. Late surgery: this means removing the compression of the spinal cord, thereby removing the ring. Surgery should be performed as soon as possible to avoid irreversible spinal cord injury. After this strict rest operation, it is recommended to at least 1 month and gradually resume activity for analgesia and physical therapy. The prognosis of
intervertebral disc herniation depends on the initial damage, and “back pain” only needs anti-inflammatory drugs, which can heal faster than paralysis.
is a dog breed prone to disc herniation. The dog breeds of Hansen type I disc herniation include basset hound, Beagle, curly haired Bichon and Malta Bichon, French Bulldog, Lhasa APSO, stones, and teak. What these dogs have in common is that they may be affected by cartilage formation and growth disorders.
for dog breeds prone to Hansen type II disc herniation, the list includes German shepherd, Doberman, Labrador hound and Lowe. They are usually medium to large dogs.
