Most animals with disc disease need surgery to remove the disc material compressing the spinal cord. Analysis of the spinal fluid helps to rule out other causes of spinal problems such as infection. As a part of this procedure, a sample of spinal fluid (spinal tap) is also collected. The myelogram allows any disc material pushing against the spinal cord to be seen on the x-rays. A myelogram is an x-ray study in which a special dye is injected into the spinal fluid surrounding the spinal cord. Once these tests have been completed the patient is anesthetized for radiographs (x-rays) of the entire spinal column followed by a special radiographic study called a myelogram. Prior to anesthesia blood and urine tests, and possibly chest radiographs (x-rays) and/or abdominal ultrasound are done to make sure that the dog or cat is otherwise healthy and has no other problems that may increase the risk of anesthesia. General anesthesia is needed for further testing. The results of the neurological examination help the veterinarian to determine which part of the spinal cord has been affected. In order to determine the exact location and cause of the problem, the animal must first be examined. Further diagnostic tests are needed to determine the exact location and cause of the problem and to determine appropriate therapy. Tumor, fracture or infection involving the vertebrae or spinal cord may all produce neurological signs similar to a herniated disc. Although these signs indicate that the dog or cat has a problem affecting the spinal cord, they do not indicate the specific area that is affected, or the cause of the problem. Animals that are unable to walk may also be unable to urinate on their own. Common signs seen with herniated or "slipped" discs include: Back pain, lameness, incoordination, and/or inability to walk in the hind legs, or all four limbs. The areas of the spine most commonly affected by herniated discs are the neck, and the mid- to lower back regions. There is very little room between the spinal cord and the surrounding bony vertebrae and as a result, once disc material has herniated into this small space it continues to cause damage to the spinal cord. Herniation of the disc often occurs very explosively, causing significant injury to the spinal cord and pain to the animal. When disc material herniates, it may be pushed out the side, below, or up around the spinal cord. This is called disc herniation (or "slipped disc"). A time may come when the torn outer ring may no longer be able to hold this hardened center in place and movement of the vertebrae may suddenly push the disc out of its normal position. With age the disc changes and the outer ring often tears and the inner soft center of the disc hardens and may even calcify. Normal discs are made up of an outer fibrous ring and an inner gelatinous center. Some breeds of dogs such as dachshunds, may undergo disc degeneration earlier in life. Intervertebral discs deteriorate as part of the normal aging process. These discs cushion the vertebrae from one another, acting like shock absorbers and also providing flexibility to the spine. Between each vertebrae, just under the spinal cord, lies a circular cushion called the intervertebral disc. The spinal cord is also extremely delicate and the tunnel formed by the surrounding vertebrae helps to protect it from damage. The spinal cord is very important, as it carries messages from the brain to the rest of the body. The vertebrae are lined up like blocks and the spinal cord passes through a hole in the center of each vertebra.
#Back bulging disk xray series#
The back or spinal column is made up of a series of small bones called vertebrae.
In order to understand what happens in animals with disc disease, a little understanding of the anatomy of the back (spinal column) is required. It also occurs in larger breeds of dog, such as doberman pinschers. This type of disc disease occurs in dogs and cats of any age or breed, but is seen most commonly in short-legged breeds (e.g., dachshund, bassett hound, shih tzu, lhasa apso, corgi, pekingese), and some other small breeds such as the poodle and cocker spaniel. Type I disc disease is characterized by disc herniation ("slipped disc") and a sudden onset of signs. There are two major categories of disc disease, Type I and Type II. Disc disease is a common problem in dogs and relatively uncommon in cats.
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