What is Spinal Cord Disease?
Spinal cord disease in dogs can be very concerning to pet parents, as the symptoms are often acute, and affect their movement or control of their bodily functions. When disease occurs within the spinal cord, dogs often present with difficulty walking, loss of coordination or balance, partial or total paralysis, and/or pain. The spinal cord cannot regenerate when damaged so diseases in this location are particularly serious and should be assessed by a veterinarian promptly.Degenerative myelopathy is the general medical term that refers to the disease of a dog's spinal cord or bone marrow. The spinal cord is encased inside the spinal column and runs from the brain down to the base of the tail. The spine carries crucial information from the brain to the rest of the body, and controls functions like movement, sensation, urination and defecation.
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Symptoms of Spinal Cord Disease in Dogs
Symptoms can vary depending on the diagnosis and stage of the disease. Paying close attention to the onset and progression of the symptoms will provide important information to veterinarian. Commonly seen symptoms of a disease process in the spinal cord:
- Changes in gait
- Pain
- Urinary or fecal incontinence
- Partial or total Paralysis
- Pain
- Lameness
- Loss of balance or coordination
Types
Listed below are commonly seen diseases of the spinal cord to be considered after trauma and secondary diseases have been ruled out through blood work and imaging.
- Degenerative Myelopathy is a progressive condition typically seen in older dogs. The white matter of the spinal cord degenerates over time and ultimately results in partial or total paralysis.
- Tumor growth of the spinal cord can be either benign or malignant; however, even a benign tumor can cause spinal dysfunction. The symptoms often present slowly and without pain initially.
- Syringomyelia and Hydromyelia are two similar diseases which result in an excess of fluid in the spinal cord. This disease is more commonly seen in small breed dogs.
Causes of Spinal Cord Disease in Dogs
The causes of many serious spinal cord diseases are unknown, but research has found that genetics and age may play a role.
- Genetics: There is evidence to suggest in some cases there is an underlying genetic component. Degenerative Myelopathy for example is commonly diagnosed in medium to large size dogs. Neuroblastoma, an invasive tumor, is diagnosed mostly in young German Shepherds.
- Age: Spinal Cord Disease seems to be age related in many cases. Degenerative Myelopathy for example is rarely seen in dogs under 6 years of age. With a few exceptions, tumors also become more common as the age of the dog advances.
Diagnosis of Spinal Cord Disease in Dogs
The veterinarian will first rule out any trauma from an injury. Traumatic injuries to the spinal cord are very serious and will be handled differently from a diagnostic standpoint than a disease of the spinal cord. He or she will then distinguish between a disease of the spinal cord and a s disease process of the spinal column or discs surrounding the spinal column that may be impacting the spinal cord on a secondary level. After, traumatic injury has been ruled out there are several types of diagnostic procedures which may be used to find a diagnosis.
- Physical Examination: A Veterinarian will typically first perform a physical examination to check for any neurologic or physical abnormalities. A thorough examination will help the veterinarian decide what diagnostic tests or imaging is necessary.
- Blood Work and Urinalysis: Preliminary blood work will provide a look into the overall health of the dog, and may provide clues as to whether an infectious process, and a urinalysis will be performed if incontinence is present.
- Imaging: An X-ray will likely be performed at the time to rule out obvious tumors or structural abnormalities. An MRI is usually recommended but other imaging tools may be recommended such as a CT or myelography to look closely at the spinal cord. The MRI and CT scan allow the veterinarian a detailed view of the spinal cord and are a critical diagnostic tool.
Treatment of Spinal Cord Disease in Dogs
The treatment of serious spinal cord diseases is difficult. The delicate spinal cord provides crucial information to the rest of the body from the brain and cannot heal itself.
- Surgery: Surgery is often the only available treatment for diseases such as tumors or Syringomyelia/Hydromyelia. Surgery is considered in cases where the benefits outweigh the risks of further damage to the spinal cord. In the case of tumors, the location of the tumor and its size will be evaluated when considering surgical removal. In the case of Syringomyelia/Hydromyelia, a controversial surgical treatment is to release some of the fluid from the spinal cord in order to reduce the pressure inside may be considered in severe cases.
- Management: In the case of Degenerative Myelopathy and other progressive diseases management of the symptoms and the dog’s quality of life may be the only treatment option.
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Recovery of Spinal Cord Disease in Dogs
It’s important to continue monitoring symptoms. If symptoms worsen a follow-up appointment should be made. As treatment options are often limited for spinal cord diseases, its important the disease be managed to in order to provide the best quality of life to the dog. Dogs should be continuously monitored for worsening symptoms from progressive diseases like Degenerative Myelopathy or a growing tumor. There are numerous tools available to help manage spinal disease.
- Pain Management: Pain medications or anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to manage pain if indicated. Carefully monitoring symptoms will help to determine the best dosage over time.
- Exercise: Weight should be managed to prevent any additional pressure on the spine. Maintaining muscle tone through mild exercise and physical therapy may be useful in some cases.
- Living Space Alterations: It may be necessary to isolate the dog to one floor of the house if stairs become challenging or dangerous. Small steps can be helpful for dogs that rest on couches or beds, or to access the car more easily. Making these small changes can help the dog live a more autonomous life, and help an owner who is physically unable to lift the dog.
Spinal Cord Disease Average Cost
From 17 quotes ranging from $1,500 - $8,500
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Spinal Cord Disease Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Crossbreed
Dolly
12 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
All As Above
My dog (12.5yrs old) was having trouble walking long distances. Occasionally you would hear her dragging her back left paw when she was walking but there was no signs of lameness etc, I thought it was arthritis. Vet check showed problems with her left side, she couldnt straighten her back left foot when vet tucked it under, and when vet took away her front right leg she couldnt stand up. She's struggling with stairs, getting on sofa/bed etc but is not incontinent and is eating fine. She was yelping and snapping at my other dog. She's been on Rimadyl a week and is not yelping or snapping but still struggling with mobility. Vet said its either spinal or neurological but i think its more spinal. What can be done and would she fully recover at 12.5yrs old.
Feb. 26, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. There are other pain medications that your veterinarian can prescribe that might help in addition to the Rimadyl, such as Tramadol or Gabapentin. Dolly might benefit from laser therapy, physical therapy, or acupuncture, depending on the actual cause of her pain and lameness. Your veterinarian will be able to direct you to those services, if that is something that would be appropriate for her. I hope that all goes well for her.
Feb. 26, 2018
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German Shepherd
Max
7 Years
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0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Incontinence
Lameness
Knuckling
Max was having difficulty hopping on the bed and going upstairs last week. We thought it was arthritis like our previous Shepherd and started supplementing with glucosamine. Then 4 days ago he lost control of his right rear leg. We took him to the vet right away. She examined him and said it could be a number of things. He didn't show signs of a hernia, still had feeling in his nerve endings in his paws, had his senses about him and blood results came back as a perfectly healthy dog. She prescribed gabapentin for pain and prednisone in case of inflammation putting pressure on his nerves. It is day 4 and of this treatment and we have not seen any improvement and now he has had 3 "accidents" - peeing after being assisted with a support sling. Is this incontinence a sign his condition is worsening, a side effect of his medication or due to pressure on his bladder from being assisted? Also, how long does it take to show improvement when taking these medications? Are we jumping the gun worrying? What may be wrong with him? Thanks for any advice and information.
Feb. 23, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. Prednisone can cause increased urination, so that may be a side effect of the drug, yes. The lack of response to the therapy is a little worrisome, and he probably should have showed some improvement by now. It would be a good idea to have a recheck with your veterinarian for him, as they can assess his nerve function. He may benefit from physical therapy, laser therapy, or acupuncture, depending on what modalities you have available in your area. I hope that you are able to get therapy that will help restore some of his strength.
Feb. 23, 2018
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Doberman Pinscher
Benzy
9 Years
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0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Pain When Lifted
Have a Doberman,male 9years old.suddenly developed weakness of hind legs and painfully lower end of spine following a week prior with a large mouth ulcer.ulcer healed and 2days latter suddenly developed painful spine and inability to get up
Feb. 14, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. Benzy may be having arthritis pain, or nerve degeneration, among other things. He should be examined by your veterinarian to determine what might be going on, have x-rays if they seem to be needed, and find out what the best course of treatment might be for him. I hope that he is okay.
Feb. 14, 2018
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Cross terrier
Rosie
11 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Crying
Pain When Lifted
Ataxic
Pain ,
Limb Weakness
My twelve years old cross terrier overnight developed hind leg weakness unable to get up I had to carry her and lift her into a standing position pain evident. Took her immediately to the vet who diagnosed arthritis and gave anti inflammatory metacam. Returned ten days later as no improvement bloods done which were normal and X-rays showed nothing. Now being treated for neuropathic pain with gabapentin. All symptoms remain. I'm worried they are missing something and fear a spinal tumour. Any advice would be greatly appreciated
Feb. 13, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. If Rosie is not responding to NSAIDs and gabapentin, she may have larger problems, you are right. The next step would probably be an MRI or CT scan - without examining her or knowing more about her neurologic status, it is hard for me to comment on her condition, but it would be worth a conversation with your veterinarian about the fact that she isn't improving, and what next step they feel would be warranted. I hope that she recovers well.
Feb. 13, 2018
Neurologically she is ok just miserable and in pain. Im confused at the bloods being normal. Still think we are missing something. Vet said to try two weeks on gabapentin then if no improvement MRI. The thought of another two weeks is daunting
Feb. 13, 2018
Rosie's Owner
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Spinal Cord Disease Average Cost
From 17 quotes ranging from $1,500 - $8,500
Average Cost
$5,500
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