Cervical Disk Disease

Your dog has experienced an episode of cervical disc disease. While not limited to small breeds of dogs,
there is a much higher incidence of disc disease among Dachshunds, Lhasa Apsos, Poodles, Beagles, and
Pekingese dogs. This is primarily due to genetic factors. The spine of all dogs, cats and humans is made up
of several boney vertebral bodies separated by spongy disks. The spinal cord runs through a canal inside the
vertebral bodies. The disks themselves had a gelatinous center and a fibrous outer layer. The outer layer of
the discs of these susceptible breeds weaken prematurely and this can lead to disk rupture whereby the
viscous inner disk material puts pressure on the spinal cord leading to neurological damage.
A mild disc rupture may merely cause your pet some neck pain and discomfort. In some case, however,
cervical disc disease can be an extremely painful and in more severe cases neurologic deficits can be noted.
Dogs with mild nerve damage may only manifest it by limping or holding up one front leg. Animals more
severely affected may eventually become "wobbly" on all four legs or eventually paralyzed. The severity of your
pet's problem will dictate what needs to be done. The medical management of cervical disc disease is
generally unrewarding for all concerned. The pets remain symptom free while on steroid medication but as
soon as the medications are discontinued, the neck pain typically recurs. Also, steroids may not be used for
long term therapy due to severe side effects. Most commonly the long term resolution of neck pain can only be
achieved by surgery.

Prior to surgery, a myelogram is done to outline the spinal cord and delineate exactly where and how much
disc material is putting pressure on the spinal cord. This area is then approached by a ventral cervical slot
technique which provides access to the spinal cord and facilitates removal of the offending disc material. As
with any spinal injury, the results of treatment (surgical or medical) are sometimes difficult to predict. Your
veterinarian, following the preoperative neurologic examination, can best explain your pet's chances for
recovery. There is a remote possibility that your pet's neurologic status may be worsened by a myelogram and
surgery. This chance is small, however, and the potential benefits of surgery generally outweigh any risks
involved. These set backs are generally not permanent, but can prolong the postoperative rehabilitation time
and provide an added source of stress to the owner, doctor, and pet.

Following surgery it may take up to six weeks before your dog regains normal neck mobility and is free of pain.
Some animals significantly improve in a much shorter time period. There is the occasional dog which does
not improve, for unknown reasons. During the rehabilitation phase, it is important for you to keep your pet
quiet for four weeks following surgery. Medications should be given as directed. Typically, pets that have had
neck surgery should be confined to the house for four weeks, then yard confined for weeks four through eight.
No heavy exercise should be allowed for at least three months, and then only if your pet's neurologic status
has returned to normal. Decks and stairs can be especially dangerous and difficult to navigate for
neurologically compromised animals. You should prevent access to these structures until your pet has
regained good coordination. Choker chains or neck leashes are inappropriate for at least twelve weeks
following surgery; halters are much better.

If you have any questions or problems during your pet's rehabilitation, please do not hesitate to contact us. We
are here 24 hours a day, & 7 days a week to help you and your special pet.