Classic posture of a dog with neck pain and a nerve root signature

Cervical disc disease s a frequent disorder of dogs. Small dogs are affected commonly, particularly those with chondrodystrophoid characteristics, although the condition can occur in any breed. Dachshunds, Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, Shih Tzus , Pekingese and Chihuahuas are affected most often. Most small dogs are over 2 years of age, with an average age of 6 years.

Clinical Signs

• neck pain: Most animals present with severe neck pain, which can be either acute or chronic. Typically these pets may be reluctant to move their heads, and may cry out spontaneously. They often do not want to lower their heads from to the food bowl. Often the pain is unremitting and not responsive to medication.

• “nerve root signature”: This may be seen in conjunction with neck pain. This may appear to be an orthopedic lameness, but on examination there is pain when traction is placed on the the limb

• neurological deficits: neurologic deficits may be restricted to one limb, or the dog may show hemiparesis (limbs on one side weak), tetraparesis (all 4 limbs weak), or tetraplegia (all 4 limbs paralyzed) with difficulty breathing.

Diagnosis

A tentative diagnosis is based on the clinical signs listed above. Survey radiographs (x-rays) are not adequate for a definitive diagnosis as radiographic features of chronic disc disease are common incidental findings in older dogs. Definitive diagnosis requires additional diagnostic, which may include cerebrospinal fluid analysis, myelography, MRI or CT

	Left and right: Myelogram (dye study) in a dog with a disc extrusion between the 3rd and 4th cervical vertebrae. The spinal cord is compressed by the disc material (red arrows)