Intervertebral Disc Disease

The spine is made up of bony segments called vertebrae, which are joined by ligaments, muscles and fibrous structures called intervertebral discs. The intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers between vertebrae.

The disc consists of a fibrous outer ring and an inner section that is soft and jelly-like. The fibrous outer ring is thinner at the top portion than it is at the bottom. When a disc becomes diseased, either through gradual degeneration or injury, the thinner to portion of the outer ring gives way, and the disc bulges into the spinal canal which is located directly above the disc. If the disc ruptures completely, the outer ring collapses and the inner jelly-like portion is forced into the spinal canal.

The spinal cord is located in the spinal canal. A bulging or ruptured disc causes pressure or damage to the spinal cord, resulting in pain, weakness, incoordination or paralysis.

Intervertebral disc disease is diagnosed by physical signs, neurologic tests and radiographs (x-rays). In some cases, a dye must be injected into the spinal canal so that areas of damage will show up on the radiographs (x-rays). This procedure is called myelography.

Both medical and surgical treatments are used for intervertebral disc disease. If your pet has paralysis with not feeling in any of the limbs then emergency surgery is indicated. In not emergency cases factors such as age, severity and duration of signs, neurologic findings and physical status help determine whether surgery should be performed. In many cases, hospitalization is necessary for effective medical treatment. If your pet is overweight, weight reduction is desirable, since excess weight puts additional strain on the back.