Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Thoracolumbar spine problems in pets - signs and treatments
By Seim, H B·Published in Seminars in veterinary medicine and surgery (small animal)·1996·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Conditions of the thoracolumbar spine.
Plain-English summary
When a pet shows signs of problems with their back, especially in the area between the ribs and lower back, it often means there could be an issue with their spinal cord. The most common reason for this is a condition called intervertebral disc disease, where a disc in the spine slips out of place and presses on the spinal cord. This situation usually needs quick medical attention, followed by detailed imaging tests and possibly surgery to relieve the pressure. Other less common reasons for similar spinal cord problems can include tumors, infections, or degenerative diseases. It's important to address these issues promptly to ensure the best outcome for your pet.
Abstract
Neurological deficits suggesting trauma to the spinal cord in the thoracolumbar area are the most common clinical presentation of neurosurgical conditions. By far, the most common cause of thoracolumbar spinal cord dysfunction is intervertebral disc disease. Disc herniation and subsequent spinal cord compression usually requires prompt medical treatment, then referral for high detail radiographs, myelogram, and surgical decompression. Other causes of thoracolumbar spinal cord dysfunction include neoplasia, discospondylitis, fibrocartilaginous embolism, and degenerative myelopathy.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9020577/