Intervertebral Disk Ruptures in Dogs: Questions and Answers

Q: What is an intervertebral disk rupture?

A: Most commonly occurring in the back region of the spine, this is a sudden expulsion of the inner disk material into the area of the spinal cord. This often leads to the inability of the dog to use his/her back legs.

Q: What is the prognosis for recovery?

A: In dogs that can still feel their back toes, even if they are paralyzed, the prognosis for full recovery is about 95%. Once sensation is lost, this drops to about 50%. This is why it is important to seek therapy as soon as possible in dogs who can no longer use their back

legs.

Q: Why does this happen to dogs?

A: The disk is a shock absorber and is like a jelly donut. The inside of the disk is normally rich in water and the outer part is thick and fibrous. Although any dog can rupture a disk, certain breeds tend to have degeneration of their disks early in life. The inside of the disk loses water and becomes calcified. This thick, chalky material is now prone to bursting through the outer part of the disk, into the canal where the spinal cord sits.

Q: What is the difference between a ruptured disk, slipped disk, disk extrusion?

A: These terms are interchangeable. This kind of disk rupture is also called a Type I disk extrusion.

Q: What is involved in managing a dog with a ruptured disk in his/her back?

A: Here is a list of what is involved in a typical case:

• Physical examination
• Neurologic examination
• Preanesthetic bloodwork (to make sure anesthesia will be safe)
• Catheter placement,
• Monitoring (heart monitor, blood pressure monitor, oxygen level monitor, etc.)
• Anesthesia
• Imaging (typically MRI)
• Surgery
• Postoperative pain management
• Hospitalization

This may seem very involved because it is. The patient is constantly monitored by a trained licensed veterinary technician with support from a board-certified anesthesiologist. A board-certified neurologist interprets the MRI and performs the surgery. A board-certified radiologist also interprets the MRI. The MRI scan is carried out by a licensed MRI technologist.

Q: Is this scenario the same at every hospital?

A: Not necessarily. The description from the previous Q/A is specific to Elemental Pet Vets. In general, the standard scenario includes access to MRI, a board-certified neurologist or surgeon, and licensed veterinary technicians with expertise and experience in anesthesia.

Q: What is the difference between a board-certified neurologist and a board-certified surgeon?

A: A board-certified neurologist (Diplomate ACVIM, Neurology) is typically trained both in medical neurology and neurosurgery. Neurologists usually perform only neurosurgical procedures. Board-certified surgeons (Diplomate ACVS) are typically trained to perform multiple types of surgery, including back and neck surgery.

Q: What is the typical recovery time?

A: Most dogs who cannot walk with their back legs will recover that function within a few weeks after surgery. Dogs who have lost sensation to the back toes may or may not recover; if these dogs do recover, it generally takes longer than dogs who maintain sensation.