IVDD Flashcards
What are clinical signs of IVDD?
Progressive lameness, trouble rising, drunken gait, no panniculus
Which breeds are predisposed to Hansen’s Type 1 IVDD?
Chondrodystrophics
Acute, painful, emergency form of IVDD
Hansen’s Type 1
Chronic, non-painful form of IVDD
Hansen’s Type 2
How do you diagnose an IVDD?
MRI best
How do you treat IVDD?
Laminectomy to relieve disc compression
What is the gelatinous center of a disc?
Nucleus pulposus
What is the nucleus pulposus a remnant of?
Notochord
What does the nucleus pulposus contain?
Glycosaminoglycans
What is the outer portion of the disc called?
Annulus fibrosus
What is the annulus fibrosus made of?
Multiple crossing layers of fibrous rings
Where is there NOT an intervertebral disc?
Between C1-2
Which type of IVDD occurs when the nucleus pulposus loses its water content and becomes calcified?
Hansen type 1
Which type of IVDD occurs d/t extrusion of the disc?
Hansen type 1
Which type of IVDD occurs d/t protrusion of the disc?
Hansen type 2
Which type of IVDD do cats more commonly get?
Hansen type 2
Which type of IVDD is seen in younger animals?
Hansen type 1
Which type of IVDD occurs when the annulus fibrosis degenerates?
Hansen type 2
Where is disc disease in cats most commonly seen along the spinal cord?
Lumbar region
Which direction does a disc usually herniate?
Dorsally
Why is herniation unusual between T2-T10?
Intercapital ligament
What is the initial clinical sign of IVDD?
Pain (but not always present)
What is a negative px indicator assoc. w/IVDD
Loss of sensation
Cutaneous trunci/panniculus reflex is innervated by which nerve?
Lateral thoracic nerve
Where is the lateral thoracic nerve located?
C8-T1
What is the main clinical sign of Schiff-Sherington disease?
Extensor rigidity of thoracic limbs
What causes clinical signs of Schiff-Sherington disease?
Loss of function of border cells in lumbar region
How do border cells work?
Inhibit extensor tone of thoracic limbs
What is spinal shock?
Temporary loss of tone and reflexes in limbs
Progressive destruction of the spinal cord cranial and caudal to the initial site of injury
Myelomalacia
What is the mechanism of myelomalacia?
Unknown
What are clinical signs of myelomalacia?
Loss of sensation, tone, and reflexes
How soon after onset of clinical signs of myelomalacia does a patient usually die?
Within 5d of onset
What causes death related to myelomalacia?
Paralysis of diaphragm (phrenic nerve)
In what % of IVDD cases will myelomalacia occur?
10%
What are radiographic signs of IVDD?
Narrow disc spaces, calcified disc in canal, collapsed articular facet
How accurate are IVDD radiographs for localizing a lesion?
Poor
What is the best way to dx IVDD?
MRI best, CT, myelography
What is a benefit of using MRI to dx IVDD?
Best modality to dx other similar conditions and possibly determine prognosis
When is surgery indicated?
If patient presents w/in 48h of losing sensation of limbs
What are medical management options for IVDD?
Pain, anti-inflammatories, cage rest, bladder management
If owners want to pursue diagnostics later on, should NSAIDs or steroids be given in the meantime?
NSAIDs (steroids can alter future diagnostics)
