Spinal Disorders - Pet Information Sheets

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Orthopaedics, Joint Replacements, Spinal Disorders and Ophthalmology

Thoracolumbar disc disease

What is meant by thoracolumbar disc disease?

A more common term for thoracolumbar disc disease is a 'slipped disc' in the back. The discs are the structures between the bones (vertebrae) of the spine that act as shock absorbers. They consist of a soft centre (the nucleus pulposus) inside a fibrous ring (the annulus fibrosus).

As in people, discs in dogs degenerate as they get older. This process results in the discs becoming dehydrated and loosening their cushioning effect. They may then 'slip' in one of two ways. Firstly, the material in the centre of the disc can come out of the fibrous ring and injure the spinal cord (this is called a disc extrusion). Secondly, the fibrous ring may thicken and compress the spinal cord (this is called a disc protrusion). Either type of 'slipped disc' may cause back pain and nerve injury.

Could my dog have thoracolumbar disc disease?

A paralysed terrier with a slipped disc

Any dog can develop a 'slipped disc' in their back, although the condition is very uncommon in dogs less than two years of age. Certain breeds, especially the ones with short limbs such as Dachshunds and Pekingese, are particularly affected. The German Shepherd dog is the most commonly affected large breed dog.

Signs may develop gradually or extremely quickly. Dogs can go from normal to unable to walk within a few minutes.

Signs of thoracolumbar disc disease are either due to (1) back pain or (2) nerve injury.

(1) Back pain

Signs of back pain may be obvious such as yelping and crying or arching of the back. More subtle signs include a reluctance to jump or climb and a tense abdomen (tummy).

(2) Nerve injury

Discs that 'slip' in the thoracolumbar region of the spine (the back) may compress the spinal cord and cause varying degrees of nerve injury. This may range from mild weakness or inco-ordination of the back legs (hind limbs) through to paralysis and incontinence. In severe cases the ability to feel pain in the hind limbs and tail is lost.

How is thoracolumbar disc disease diagnosed?

Myelogram showing spinal cord compression

A neurological examination is necessary to assess the severity of any spinal cord injury. This involves testing numerous reflexes such as the knee-jerk (patellar) reflex. Checking the dog's ability to feel pain in the hind limbs and tail is also important. The examination often helps localise which area of the spine is affected.

There are many other causes of back pain and nerve injury in addition to thoracolumbar disc disease. As a result investigations are necessary to confirm a 'slipped disc' and exclude these other conditions.

X-rays (radiographs) of the back may reveal evidence of thoracolumbar disc disease, such as a narrowed disc space or a calcified disc. More advanced tests are necessary to see which disc has actually slipped and assess the severity of any spinal cord compression. Myelography and MRI are the most common methods. Myelography involves injecting a dye (contrast agent) around the spinal cord and watching it flow to see if it is interrupted. MRI uses high powered magnets and a computer to generate images of the spine. Both myelography and MRI require the dog to have a general anaesthetic.

Occasionally it is necessary to collect some fluid (cerebrospinal fluid - CSF) from the spine and send it to a laboratory for analysis. This test enables the diagnosis of inflammatory conditions that affect the spine.

How can thoracolumbar disc disease be treated?

Thoracolumbar disc disease can cause severe spinal injury. Signs can develop extremely rapidly (acute spinal cord injury) and the damage can be irreversible. This is in contrast to people where back pain is the key feature and spinal cord injury is uncommon. Since thoracolumbar disc disease can be a life-threatening condition some dogs need to be treated as an emergency.

The two principle methods of managing thoracolumbar disc disease are (1) conservative treatment and (2) surgery.

(1) Conservative treatment

When dogs with thoracolumbar disc disease are managed conservatively their exercise must be restricted. Short lead walks for toileting purposes may be necessary with strict confinement at other times. The hope is that the 'slipped disc' will heal, any back pain subside and the spinal cord recover from any injury. Painkillers may be necessary and possibly other drugs, such as muscle relaxants. It is important to ensure that dogs continue to urinate. Failure to do so may result in distension of the bladder and infection (cystitis). Manual expression or catheterisation of the bladder may be required.

(2) Surgery

The aims of surgery are to remove any disc material that is compressing the spinal cord and to prevent any more disc material 'slipping'. Decompressive surgery involves removing a section of bone from around the spine (laminectomy) to enable retrieval of disc material. Further 'slipping' can be prevented by cutting a small window in the side of the disc and removing material in the centre (disc fenestration). Occasionally vertebral stabilisation (fusion) procedures are necessary, especially in large dogs.

What is the outlook with thoracolumbar disc disease?

The outlook (prognosis) depends on a number of factors including the severity of spinal injury, the duration of spinal injury and how the condition is treated.

Conservative management can be successful in cases with back pain and in those with mild spinal cord injury. Unfortunately some dogs continue to deteriorate with this approach or recover only to have a recurrence weeks or months later.

The success rate with surgery is generally high provided the dog still has pain perception in the hind limbs and the spinal cord hasn't been compressed for a long time (chronic spinal cord injury).

Nursing care is an important aspect of both conservative and surgical management of thoracolumbar disc disease. Dogs that are unable to use their hind limbs will need assistance to go outside. Incontinent dogs require their bladders to be empted regularly. Physiotherapy exercises can be useful in many patients and hydrotherapy is sometimes indicated.

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