Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Signs and MRI results of nerve root pain in dogs with neck disc
By Schachar, Jordan et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2024·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Clinical and imaging findings in dogs with nerve root signature associated with cervical intervertebral disc herniation.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 47 dogs, mostly older chondrodystrophoid breeds like dachshunds, showed signs of nerve root issues in their front legs due to cervical intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH). The most affected area was the C6-C7 disc space, where the herniated disc material often pressed on the nerve roots. Symptoms included pain and weakness in the front legs, which were confirmed through MRI scans. Treatment typically involved surgery to relieve the pressure on the nerves, leading to improved mobility and comfort for many of the dogs.
People also search for: dog neck pain · dachshund cervical disc herniation treatment · dog front leg weakness原因
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH) is the most common spinal cord disease in dogs. Little information is available regarding the clinical presentation of nerve root signature (NRS) associated with cervical IVDH. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVE: To detail the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in dogs with NRS associated with cervical IVDH. ANIMALS: Forty-seven client-owned dogs presenting with thoracic limb NRS and MRI confirmed IVDH. METHODS: Medical records from 2010 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed for dogs that met inclusion criteria. Imaging studies were evaluated by 2 individuals to characterize location and severity of neural tissue compression. RESULTS: Chondrodystrophoid dogs comprised the majority of the study cohort, with dachshund the most common breed (n = 10). Three-quarters of dogs were ≥7 years of age. Interobserver agreement was moderate or good for all of the imaging variables evaluated. The C6-C7 intervertebral disc space was significantly overrepresented (P = .01), comprising 32% (15/47) of the affected discs. However, 42% (20/47) of cases involved C2-C3 though C4-C5 disc sites. Disc material was more frequently located laterally compared to medially within the vertebral canal (P = .0005), and to be associated with compression of the nerve root at the level of the intervertebral foramen (P = .012). CONCLUSION/CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: NRS is most commonly associated with lateralized or foraminal cervical disc herniations. It is most prevalent with C6-C7 intervertebral disc involvement, suggesting that there might be unique anatomic factors that contribute to development of NRS at this site, but can be a clinical manifestation of IVDH occurring anywhere along the cervical spine.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38216520/