17 Apr Progressive Spinal Diseases in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment

Progressive diseases of the spine are more common in older dogs, but young dogs with genetic problems or diseases such as cancer may also be affected. Not all of these diseases are fatal or painful, but owners of these dogs may need to spend a lot of time and money preventing and treating these symptoms. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of the disease, along with consultation with a veterinarian, can significantly increase the length and quality of the dog’s life. Progressive diseases of the spine can affect part or all of the spine and its nerves. These diseases get worse over time if left untreated.

Symptoms of progressive spinal diseases in dogs

Early symptoms of this disease include:

• Pain in the dog’s back and hind legs
• Walking erratically, cluttered or uncoordinated
• Pull the hind paws and wear the toenails
• Body and neck stiffness
• Muscle loss
• Difficulty getting up from rest
• Emotional distress such as grunting

But more advanced symptoms may include:

• Difficulty standing
• Urinary or faecal incontinence
• Loss of mobility or paralysis in the legs

Types of diseases

There are several types of spinal disease, the most common of which are

• Lumbosacral stenosis (Cauda Equina)

Lumbosacral stenosis is a painful condition that affects the spinal cord and nerves around the area where the spinal cord meets the pelvis (lower back near the tail, where the lumbar spine with the sacrum lies a level of the pelvis). This usually happens in large breeds between 3 and 7 years old.

• Degenerative myelopathy (DM)

Degenerative myelopathy is a disease that affects the spinal cord, resulting in the slow progression of the hind limbs and paralysis. These symptoms are caused by the degeneration of the white matter of the spinal cord. It’s more common in breeds such as German Shepherds, Corgis, Boxers, Retrievers, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and puppies between the ages of 8 and 14.

• Canine Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

The “cushion” intervertebral discs are in the space between the vertebrae of the spine. These discs are subject to several degenerative conditions and forces that predispose them to bulges or tears over time. This rupture leads to spinal cord injury. It’s more common in older dogs and breeds with short legs and long backs, such as Dachshunds, Basset Hounds and Corgis.

• Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (“Wobbler syndrome”)

Cervical spondylosis myelopathy, commonly called wobbler syndrome, is a disease of the spine inside the neck that results in poor transmission of nerve signals between the brain and the body. There are various morphological problems in the neck bones in infected dogs. 

There are two types of neurological disorders, both of which cause “shaky” gait.  The first type affects young dogs from a few months to several years old and is caused by narrowing the spinal canal. The first type is more common in large breeds such as Mastiffs and Great Danes. The second type affects middle-aged to old dogs and is caused by compression of the spinal cord due to herniated discs. The disease is more common in large breeds, especially Doberman.

Causes of progressive spinal diseases in dogs

The causes of these diseases are usually a combination of different genetic and environmental factors. Diseases that occur in large breeds usually occur at a young age. In addition to genetic and environmental factors, other factors can cause progressive spinal diseases in dogs. These reasons include the following:

• The congenital and hereditary form
• Ageing
• Effects of osteoarthritis
• Intervertebral disc herniated or inflamed
• Dislocated or displaced intervertebral discs
• Swelling inside the spinal canal
• Growth of tumours or infections around the spinal cord

Diagnosis

To diagnose progressive spinal diseases in dogs, the veterinarian reviews his medical history and physical and neurological condition. The veterinarian can determine the source of the pain by examining the organs. If the nerves are damaged, he then tests the dog’s reflexes. A standard radiograph is necessary to evaluate the spine further and prevent possible disease. The following additional tests are sometimes prescribed for dogs:

• Milligram

A milligram is a diagnostic imaging test that uses contrast-enhanced colour and X-rays, or computed tomography (CT) scans, to look for problems in the spinal canal. Problems can occur in the spinal cord, nerve roots and other tissues.

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique used in radiology to image the anatomy and physiological processes of the body. MRI scanners use strong magnetic fields, magnetic field slopes, and radio waves to produce images of body organs.

• CAT scan (computed tomography)

The term “computed tomography,” or CT, is a method of computerized X-ray imaging in which a narrow beam of X-rays is directed at a patient and rotates rapidly around the body, producing signals that are produced by The device’s computer is processed to create cross-sectional – or “sliced” images of the body.

The number and type of tests are performed at the discretion of the dog owner and the veterinarian. After that, the best treatment method is selected.

Treatments

Treatment of progressive spinal diseases in dogs varies according to the type, stage and cause of the disease. Vets can use Non-surgical or surgical treatments to treat this disease.

• Non-surgical treatments

Some diseases, such as degenerative myelopathy, have no cure. If your dog has the disease, you can control your dog’s symptoms with a combination of exercise therapy and pain management techniques such as massage and acupuncture. Still, if the disease progresses, the dogs will succumb to the disease. In mild cases of other conditions such as lumbosacral stenosis (cauda equina), Wobbler syndrome and IVDD, holders can control the disease with limited exercise, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory drugs and pain. In this method, the veterinarian usually recommends not jumping from furniture, maintaining a proper weight and proper nutrition to reduce the severity and risk of disease.

• Surgical treatments

For severe disease cases, surgeries may be performed to compress the spine or replace the disc. The success of this treatment depends on the dog’s age, the severity of the disease, and the speed of the surgery. Dogs whose spine is affected by diseases such as tumours should see a specialist to prevent growth, receive advice and new treatments. Depending on the type of surgery and the severity of the illness, dogs often need to be in the hospital for several days to a week. After surgery and pain relief, dogs can begin their daily activities.

Having a dog at home is one of the most beautiful and sweetest experiences in people’s lives. But these lovely creatures need regular cleaning, grooming and care to stay healthy and prevent possible diseases. Regular visits to the veterinarian are also essential. Symptoms or abnormalities shouldn’t be ignored, as they can indicate a major and complex problem in the future. Mishka’s specialized team, by providing complete and accurate grooming, in addition to keeping your dog clean, also prevents countless diseases.