Intervertebral Disc Rupture

By: Brisbane Veterinary Specialist Centre

Intervertebral Disc Rupture

 

Bruce Smith BVSc, MS, FACVSc, Dip ACVS
Lyn Minhinnett BVSc MACVSc

What is Intervertebral “Disc” Disease?
The Intervertebral Discs are sandwiched between the bony vertebrae to provide stability and mobility to the spine. A healthy disc has a tough fibrous outer coat (annulus) and a fluid shock-absorbing centre (nucleus). The spinal cord is encased in the bony spinal canal lying immediately above the disc.

Hardening of the nucleus can lead to rupture of the annulus during even normal activity. Rupture results in disc nucleus material entering the spinal canal and compressing the spinal cord. The site of disc rupture is most often the mid-back (thoracolumbar) or neck (cervical). Dogs most commonly affected by disc rupture are young mature to middle-aged dogs with short limbs and long backs. Older large breed dogs may also suffer intervertebral disc disease, but is less common. Cats can be, but are infrequently affected.

Depending on the amount and force of the disc rupture the signs can vary from discomfort to complete paralysis. While the majority of dog affected by disc rupture can be rapidly and effectively treated, a proportion of injuries result in permanent paralysis, urinary and faecal incontinence. On rare occasions it may progress to death.

 

 

 

 

How is a Diagnosis of Disc Rupture made?
Your veterinarian can screen for the signs and severity of disc rupture based on a spinal examination, however specialized imaging (myelography and CT) of the spinal is required to confirm the diagnosis.

Myelography is performed under general anaesthesia and requires a spinal tap. X-Ray contrast material is carefully injected to outline the spinal cord within the spinal canal. Spinal X-rays or CT are then performed to identify the exact location of disc rupture.

 

What Treatments are available for Disc Rupture?
For dogs that are suffering mild spinal pain and weakness, non-surgical treatment with pain control medication and strict hospital rest can be safely offered. For dogs suffering severe or pain, severe spinal weakness, surgical decompression of the spinal cord is recommended.

Once the site of disc rupture has been identified most dogs proceed immediately to surgery. A bone window is created into the spinal canal to allow removal of the disc material compressing the spinal cord. For a cervical (neck) disc this is a “Ventral Slot” procedure and for the thoracolumbar (back) disc a “Hemilaminectomy” procedure will be performed. Both of these procedures require specialised instrumentation and advanced surgical training.

 

How long will my Dog be in hospital?
All dogs must remain in hospital until they are comfortable, showing improvement in limb function and can urinate. Depending on the severity of injury this can take five to ten days. Physical therapy is commenced as soon as practical and you are encouraged to visit and participate in the recovery process.

 

What after-care will my Dog need?
Home care requires strict confinement and supervised activity only until your dog is strongly walking. Medication is not usually required. Rechecks are determined on an individual basis; typically at two weeks postoperatively for suture removal and prior to return to normal activity.

Activity restriction and toilet monitoring is essential dogs to avoid complications. Early controlled activity and physiotherapy is beneficial. Rehabilitation with an animal physiotherapist or hydro therapist can also be arranged. To learn more abut Physiotherapy you can visit our physiotherapist’s website www.holisticanimalphysiotherapy.com.au

 

Will my Dog return to Normal Activity?
Normal comfort and good activity is almost always achieved for dogs that have some movement and/or feeling in their feet. Of those dogs with no movement and no feeling in their feet (the most serious stage of spinal compression), 50% may not go on walk again. Unfortunately there are currently no preoperative tests that can be used to identify permanent spinal injury from those that will recover.

Are there any Complications with Surgical Treatment of Disc Rupture?
Disc rupture and spinal cord injury is a serious, potentially permanent and sometimes life-threatening situation. While complications from injury during diagnosis or surgery are extremely uncommon they may occur and may alter chances of recovery.

Financing surgical treatment for your pet.
BVSC understands that surgical treatments are both unexpected and costly. To assist you, access to third party external finance companies is available. These companies require a detailed application & credit check. BVSC is not an agent for these companies and may request a deposit to allow treatment to proceed if finance approval is pending.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where is BVSC and how do I make an appointment for my pet?
BVSC is located on Brisbane’s north side on the corner of Old Northern & Keong Roads, Albany Creek 4035.

 

To make an appointment for your pet you will be required to have a referral from your vet, to get a referral contact your veterinarian and request referral to BVSC then contact our friendly reception staff on (07) 3264 9400