Cervical disk disease commonly affects small, middle-age to older chondrodystrophic breeds and is usually classified as a type I extrusion. Beagles, Dachshunds, Pekingese, and Poodles tend to be overrepresented. The C2-C3 disk space is most commonly affected, with the frequency decreasing at progressively more caudal disk spaces.
Cervical disk disease in large-breed dogs is usually associated with type II protrusion of the caudal disks and is often secondary to cervical spondylomyelopathy. Breeds commonly affected are Doberman and Great Danes.
Neck pain is the most common and often the only sign of cervical disk disease. This is manifested as low head carriage, stiffness or decreased motion of the neck, vocalizing, and spasms of the neck muscles. Some dogs exhibit lameness of one or both thoracic limbs, due to nerve root or spinal nerve compression.
In severe cases, there may be ataxia, conscious proprioceptive deficits, weakness, or rarely, paralysis of all limbs.
Other causes of neck pain include trauma, neoplasia, meningitis, discospondylitis, cervical spondylomyelopathy, and atlantoaxial instability.
Diagnosis is based on the clinical features, neurological examination, spinal radiography, myelography, and advanced imaging techniques, including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis is helpful in identifying or ruling out meningitis.
Treatment options include surgery and nonsurgical therapy (antiinflammatory drugs, physiotherapy and acupuncture), with the decision based on the duration and severity of clinical signs.
Vet Therapy – Cynara Campanati
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