Canine Flash Notes - Lumbar Disc Disease Flashcards
what is the classic presentation of a dog with lumbar disc disease?
chondrodystrophic breed with acute back pain, pelvic limb ataxia, paraparesis, or paraplegia
what is the test of choice for diagnosing IVDD? what other options are available? what is the disadvantage of the other options?
high field MRI - safe & fast
CT - faster than MRI but less detail
radiographs - can look for narrowed IVD space & the presence of calcified discs, but not definitive
myelogram - irritates the spinal cord & dogs usually seize during recovery
when is the only time that medical management is appropriate for a dog with IVDD?
can use medical management only if no neurologic signs are present - strict cage rest & pain management
opioids are preferred, muscle relaxers will relieve pain from spasms
NSAIDS preferred over steroids
80% of IVDD occur where in the spine? why?
between T10 & L3!!
there are no intercapital ligaments located in this area, so it is not as protected as other areas
what is hansen type I IVDD?
extruded nucleus pulposus into the spinal canal
what is hansen type II IVDD?
protruded annulus - happens usually in non-chondrodystrophic breeds
what is the best treatment for a dog with IVD extrusion that is paraplegic?
hemilaminectomy/ventral slot
what is the best treatment for a dog with IVD extrusion that is ambulatory with back pain?
medical management - strict cage rest & pain control
if you have an increased patellar reflex in a dog with IVDD, where does this localize the lesion to?
disc rupture cranial to L4
if you have an decreased patellar reflex in a dog with IVDD, where does this localize the lesion to?
disc rupture between L4-L6
if you have a normal patellar reflex in a dog with IVDD, where does this localize the lesion to?
disc rupture is caudal to L6
why is the withdrawal response not enough to diagnose whether an IVDD dog has deep pain?
it is not an indicator of the presence or absence of deep pain
you must get a conscious response to indicate deep pain presence/perception - dog needs to yelp/try to bite/react
what breeds of dogs are predisposed to type I disc ruptures? what about type II?
type I - chondrodystrophic breeds, weenies, etc
type II - any breed
