Canine intervertebral disc disease is a disease caused by degeneration and prolapse of the intervertebral discs in the canine spine, mainly herniated discs, a spinal disease caused by degeneration of the discs, rupture of the annulus fibrosus and dorsal protrusion of the nucleus pulposus to compress the spinal cord, characterized by motor impairment. In recent years, intervertebral disc disease has become one of the common diseases in senior dogs, which seriously affects the quality of daily life of senior dogs. Cause analysis of canine intervertebral disc disease is directly related to quality, age, climate, etc. 1. small breed dogs are mostly susceptible to canine intervertebral disc disease canine intervertebral disc disease occurs in almost all breeds of dogs, but small breeds of dogs such as dachshunds, Pekingese, etc. are most susceptible. Because these breeds have potential genetic factors for their development, they are all cartilaginous dystrophy breeds. In small dogs, the epidural space is small, and even if only a small amount of the nucleus pulposus protrudes, it can produce severe pressure to compress the spinal cord. In large dogs, the epidural space is larger and the same amount of herniated nucleus pulposus will not have serious consequences or only slightly compress the spinal cord. 2. Older dogs are susceptible to canine disc disease because as they age, biochemical substances such as water, proteoglycans and collagen in the disc tissue change significantly. The water in the nucleus pulposus gradually decreases, and the proteoglycan content gradually becomes less under the degradation of proteases, making the nucleus pulposus significantly less expansive and elastic. At the same time, the ratio of type I collagen (low water content, tolerates tension, does not tolerate pressure) to type II collagen (high water content, can withstand and absorb pressure) in the annulus fibrosus increases, and the content of type I collagen increases, resulting in the formation of various fissures in the annulus fibrosus, especially in the posterior lateral region, and the mechanical strength of the annulus fibrosus decreases significantly. It occurs during the change of seasons and warmer weather, higher temperatures and hotter months. Symptoms clinically most of the hindquarters sensation and the emergence of motor disorders as the main signs, the early symptoms of the onset of the disease manifested as severe pain in the low back, arching back, abdominal wall muscle tension, lumbar back muscle tension, happy to lie down, hindquarters weakness, reluctance to climb stairs, unstable walking when forced to drive, swaying from side to side; lightly hit the dog’s back spine or the owner picked up the affected dog instantly screaming in pain, head backward looking, in severe cases, manifested as hindquarters paralysis, muscle In severe cases, the dog’s hindquarters are paralyzed, the muscle tension is reduced, the sensation of the hind limbs is dulled or not felt, the tail droops, and it cannot sway from side to side. In severe cases, some affected dogs vomit due to pain. In some cases, vomiting occurs due to pain, and urinary incontinence, urinary shutdown, or failure to defecate may occur due to nerve compression. Diagnosis In order to make a correct diagnosis of the cause and location of the affected dog, a full examination of the affected dog should be done in conjunction with age, breed, clinical signs, and medical history. Diagnosis is usually made with X-rays and, if conditions permit, can be combined with myelography and magnetic resonance techniques. Treatment According to the clinical symptoms of canine intervertebral disc disease, it is more appropriate to choose appropriate conservative therapy or surgery.1. Conservative therapy: generally used only in the early stage of the disease, ataxia or mild paralysis of the affected animals. The purpose is to prevent the aggravation of disc herniation, thus reducing the swelling of the spinal cord and decreasing inflammation. 2. It includes decompression surgery such as lateral arch resection, dorsal arch resection and windowing for treatment. However, in China, canine intervertebral disc surgery is not yet developed and mature, and it is still in the figuring out stage with great risks. Therefore, in most cases, canine discs are still relieved by conservative treatment. Prevention in daily life to pay attention to prevention, can reduce the chance of canine intervertebral disc disease. 1. do not let the dog up and down the stairs do not think that dogs can go up and down the stairs every day to strengthen the body, in fact, up and down the stairs is very harmful to dogs. Dogs in up and down the stairs, almost every step must be bowed to increase the lumbar vertebrae activity, so that the lumbar vertebrae parts in a state of physical stress, a long time so will induce the occurrence of lumbar disc herniation disease. So, when going up and down the stairs, it is best to use the correct posture to hold the dog in the elevator, and try to avoid letting it take the stairs. 2. Dogs are not as flexible and agile as cats in their movements and reflexes. Suddenly picking them up will cause the lumbar vertebrae to twist around with the swaying of the body, causing the lumbar intervertebral discs to suffer from irritation. The correct posture to hold the dog is to hold the dog’s limbs together with both hands, so that the waist remains horizontal, to avoid the spine in a bent state for a long time. 3. 5. Don’t get cold. Remember to blow dry immediately after bathing, and it is best to avoid wet and cold ground when sleeping to avoid joint inflammation. The most important thing for affected dogs and post-operative dogs is to ensure that the spinal cord is not damaged. When picking up the dog, you should hold the limbs together and keep the waist in a horizontal position. 2. Always choose a pet backpack when taking the dog out. The dog should be washed and powdered promptly to prevent bed sores on the abdomen and buttocks, as it is difficult to control urination and defecation.3. Pay attention to calcium and vitamin D. If the dog mainly eats animal liver, stop feeding it immediately and switch to dog food, otherwise the absorption of calcium will be affected.4. For dogs that do not recover for a long time, massage the lower back and hind limbs frequently to avoid muscle atrophy. More outdoor activities and more sunshine are good for calcium absorption. Even if they have recovered, they should pay attention to more calcium supplementation and reduce the amount of heavy exercise.
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