What You Need to Know About Progressive Spinal Diseases in Dogs

Progressive spinal diseases are one of the problems frequently seen, especially in older dogs. However, these diseases can also be encountered in young dogs due to genetic predisposition or some health problems such as cancer. Although a significant portion of these diseases are not painful, alleviating the symptoms of progressive diseases and improving the dog's quality of life is a time-consuming and laborious process. Early diagnosis significantly increases the dog's lifespan and quality of life. Progressive diseases of the spine affect part or all of the vertebral column and the associated nerves in various ways. Diseases worsen if left untreated or if treated incorrectly. Symptoms of Progressive Spinal Diseases Symptoms of spinal diseases vary from dog to dog. The stage of the disease, the area where it occurs, and the dog's overall health can cause differences in the symptoms. Progressive spinal diseases usually affect the dog's lower back and hind legs in the early stages. Changes in this part of the body may be a sign of a disease. Early signs of common progressive spinal diseases in dogs include:

Symptoms of Progressive Spinal Diseases

The symptoms of spinal diseases vary from dog to dog. The stage of the disease, the area where it occurs, and the dog's overall health can all cause differences in the symptoms. Progressive spinal diseases usually affect the dog's lower back and hind legs in the early stages. Changes in this part of the body can be a sign of the disease. Early signs of common progressive spinal diseases in dogs include:

• Trembling while defecating, inability to stand upright,
• Dragging of the hind paws while walking and resulting nail wear,
• Stiffness in the body and neck,
• Difficulty getting up from a sitting or lying position,
• Crying or whining-like sounds may be expressed as such.

As the disease progresses, the symptoms also progress along with the disease. Symptoms seen in advanced stages of the disease include:

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• It manifests as loss of movement or paralysis in all or part of the legs.

Common Progressive Spinal Diseases

There are many spinal diseases affecting dogs, and a significant number of these diseases are progressive. Some of these diseases are very rare. Others are quite common among dogs.

Lumbosacral Stenosis

Lumbosacral stenosis, also called Cauda Equina, is nerve damage in the spinal canal due to pressure on the nerves located in the lumbar region. Lumbosacral stenosis is very common, especially among giant breed dogs, and is frequently seen between the ages of 3 and 7.

Degenerative Myelopathy

Degenerative myelopathy manifests as paralysis caused by degenerative damage to the spinal cord and nerves. Degenerative myelopathy most commonly affects German Shepherd, Corgi, Boxer, Retriever, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Poodle breeds. Degenerative myelopathy is frequently seen in dogs between the ages of 8 and 14.

Canine Intervertebral Disc Disease

Herniation in the intervertebral discs of the spine causes inflammation. Herniation is especially common in older dogs. It more frequently affects dogs with short legs and long backs, such as Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, and Corgis.

Servikal Spondilotik Miyelopati

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy, also known as Wobbler syndrome, is a disorder with two different subtypes. In both types, dogs make a wobbling-like movement during defecation and have difficulty doing so. Type 1 results from spinal canal narrowing and particularly affects young dogs. Wobbler syndrome can appear within the first year after birth. It affects giant breeds such as Mastiffs or Great Danes. Type 2 cervical spondylotic myelopathy affects middle-aged and older dogs. It occurs as a result of a herniated disc causing pressure on the spinal cord. Type 2 cervical spondylotic myelopathy is especially seen in Doberman breeds.

Causes of Progressive Spinal Diseases

Progressive spinal diseases can occur due to many reasons. The most common causes include genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Some diseases affect large and giant breed dogs, while others are seen in dogs that develop rapidly at a young age.

• Congenital problems or genetic inheritance,
• Wear and tear in the vertebrae due to aging,
• Arthritis,
• Inflammation or herniation in the intervertebral discs,
• Disc slippage or disc dislocation,
• Swelling in the spinal canal,
• Progressive spinal diseases can occur due to causes such as infection or tumors around the spinal cord.

Diagnosis of Spinal Diseases

To diagnose progressive spinal diseases, veterinarians first obtain information about the dog's health history. Then, a physical and neurological evaluation is performed to understand the disease and its condition. To rule out other possibilities and make a differential diagnosis, an X-ray of the dog's spine is usually taken. In some cases, additional tests may be necessary to make an accurate assessment. A contrast agent may be injected around the spinal cord to better visualize the affected area. MRI or CT scans can also be used to examine the tissues affected by the disorder, along with myelogram imaging.

 

Treatment of Spinal Diseases

Treatment for progressive spinal diseases varies depending on the type of disease, its condition, and the area affected. The dog's overall health also influences treatment planning. There are surgical and non-surgical methods for treating diseases. Surgical methods are preferred if non-surgical methods are unsuccessful. Non-Surgical Treatments Some diseases, such as degenerative myelopathy, have no cure. For dogs with this disease, treatment-focused steps aim to alleviate the symptoms caused by the disease and improve the dog's quality of life. Exercises and various massage techniques can help the dog live more comfortably. In cases of mild lumbosacral stenosis, wobbler syndrome, or herniation, the disease can be controlled by restricting the movement of the affected area, applying physiotherapy, and using anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications.

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Some diseases, such as degenerative myelopathy, have no cure. For dogs with this disease, treatment-focused steps aim to alleviate the symptoms and improve the dog's quality of life. Exercises and various massage techniques can help the dog live more comfortably. In cases of mild lumbosacral stenosis, wobbler syndrome, or herniation, the disease can be controlled by restricting movement in the affected area, physiotherapy, and anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications.

Surgical Methods

In cases where the disease is severe, making it difficult for the dog to perform daily activities, or may lead to more serious health problems, the most effective treatment method is surgery. The success rate of these methods depends on the dog's age and the condition of the disease. Significant improvements are achieved with surgical methods in dogs with progressive spinal disorders. However, different treatment methods may also be applied if masses such as tumors are present.