DEGENERATIVE DISEASES OF THE INTERVERTEBRAL DISC IN DOGS OF HOME LIVING CONDITIONS

Abstract

To date, degenerative diseases of the intervertebral discs in dogs of chondrodystrophoid breeds, such as dachshunds, French bulldogs, pugs, corgis, etc., is one of the most pressing problems, as these breeds are becoming increasingly popular, and there are more opportunities for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. The purpose of our study was to study the course of neurological pathological processes that occur as a result of compression on the spinal cord in dogs of different ages in home conditions.

The study involved 20 dogs of different ages with clinical signs characteristic of the disease, the focus of which is localized in the spinal column. Clinical signs were expressed in paresis or plegia of the pelvic or all extremities, ataxia, absence of deep pain sensitivity. Based on the anamnesis data and specific findings during the examination, all patients were recommended to undergo magnetic resonance imaging of certain segments of the spinal column with intravenous administration of a contrast agent. As a result of our studies, extrusions (Hansen 1) were detected in almost all dogs, and in 60% of cases the lesion was located between the 3rd thoracic and 3rd lumbar vertebra, which was indicated by certain symptoms and subsequently by MRI.