SPINAL CORD DISEASE IN DOGS

Introduction to spinal cord disease in dogs

When a dog has a problem in their spine, it can manifest in a few different ways. One of the first symptoms we often observe is a lack of coordination. This might be seen as a dog scuffing their nails while walking, or slipping on hardwood floors. Some dogs might even stand on the tops of their feet. These signs indicate an injury to the part of the spine responsible for proprioception, which is our sense of where our feet are in space. This is usually the earliest sign of a spinal problem and often the last to improve during recovery.

Another symptom that develops is weakness. Initial subtle signs of weakness may be noticed as difficulty in jumping onto the bed or into the car, or trouble navigating stairs. As the condition worsens, your dog may lose the ability to stand and walk.

A spinal cord problem can also be quite painful. Dogs experiencing back pain may appear hunched or cry out when touched. Those with neck pain often hold their heads down and very stiffly, sometimes giving them a "guilty" appearance. Their necks can appear thicker due to tensed muscles, and you might observe muscle spasms. Additionally, they may cry out at random times, seemingly without any apparent reason.

A dog with neck pain will hold their head very low. Their neck can appear swollen or thick, and you might see muscle spasms.

What Causes This?

This is a list of some of the most common causes of spine problems in dogs.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
Lumbosacral Disease
Vertebral Malformation
Spinal Cysts
Syringomyelia
Disc-Associated Wobblers Syndrome
Wobblers (Cervical Spondomyelopathy)
Spinal Cord Tumors
Diskospondylitis
Degenerative Myelopathy

An MRI of a dog showing a slipped disc in the neck.

Diagnosis

The first step in diagnosing a potential spinal cord issue is to conduct a complete physical examination of your pet. Several diseases can closely resemble spinal cord problems to the untrained eye. By assessing your dog’s overall health, joint health, and neurological function, your veterinarian can help determine whether the issue is related to the spinal cord. The next step usually involves imaging the spine. X-rays are a relatively inexpensive method to visualize the spine but can only diagnose a limited number of conditions. Often, we proceed to the next step, which is an MRI. An MRI can diagnose about 90% of the conditions we see affecting the spine. Although it is a significant test, it is an important one. Finally, if more information is needed after the MRI, we may recommend additional diagnostics, such as a spinal tap or blood tests, to check for specific infections.

Treatment

The specific treatment required for your dog will depend on the exact nature of the disease causing these symptoms. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a common condition, and it is often reasonable to initially assume it's the cause until proven otherwise. In cases where your dog's symptoms are mild, we may opt for conservative care first. This approach typically involves a period of strict bed rest combined with medications to determine if your pet can heal on their own. Other potential treatments may include surgery, radiation, or medications like steroids. Once we have accurately diagnosed the cause of your dog's spinal problem, we will be able to recommend the most effective treatments available.