Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Muscle wasting is worse in large dogs with disc disease than spinal
By Boström, Anna F et al.·Published in Research in veterinary science·2022·Faculty of Veterinary Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Epaxial muscle atrophy is more evident in large dogs with intervertebral disc disease than in dogs with ischaemic myelopathy.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of large breed dogs with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) showed noticeable muscle loss and increased fat in their back muscles. This was particularly evident in dogs with compressive IVDD compared to those with other conditions like acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion or fibrocartilaginous embolism. The study found that older dogs with longer-lasting symptoms had more fat infiltration in their muscles. These changes are likely due to nerve damage and reduced use of the affected muscles. Treatment for IVDD often includes medications, physical therapy, or surgery to relieve pressure on the spine, which can help improve muscle condition over time.
People also search for: large dog back pain · intervertebral disc disease treatment · dog muscle atrophy causes
Abstract
Cross-sectional area (CSA) decreases and fat infiltration increases in epaxial muscles of Dachshunds with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), but less is known about large breed dogs with IVDD. The aim here was to investigate thoracolumbar epaxial muscle CSA and fat infiltration in large breed dogs with compressive IVDD and acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion (ANNPE) or fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE). This retrospective study included large breed dogs with MRI-confirmed IVDD (n = 17) and ANNPE or FCE (n = 13). The CSA and fat infiltration of the thoracolumbar M. longissimus and Mm. multifidi were assessed from T1-weighted transverse MR images using Osirix. The CSA was significantly smaller in dogs with compressive IVDD than in dogs with non-compressive ANNPE or FCE for Mm. multifidi (p = 0.015), M. longissimus (p = 0.070), and these two muscles combined (p = 0.016). Fat infiltration in all muscle measurements was significantly higher in dogs with compressive IVDD than in dogs with non-compressive ANNPE or FCE (all P < 0.050). A significant positive correlation existed between age, duration of clinical signs, and fat infiltration, suggesting more fat infiltration in older dogs with more chronic signs. These signs of muscle atrophy are likely caused by denervation and secondary disuse due to chronic spinal cord compression and prolonged duration of clinical signs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35339099/