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9 results for “spinal cord compression”
Spinal Cord Compression in Dogs and Cats
Spinal cord compression occurs when a mass, displaced vertebra, bulging disc, or migrating parasite presses on the spinal cord, causing pain, weakness, and eventually paralysis. Small breeds such as Pekingese, French Bulldogs, and Dachshunds are especially prone, and timely treatment of the underlying cause is essential.
Spinal Cord Contusion and Concussion in Dogs and Cats
Spinal cord contusion and concussion are traumatic injuries in which a blow, fall, or underlying bone disease damages the cord without necessarily fracturing the spine. They disrupt nerve signals to the limbs and bladder, and severe cases can cause sudden paralysis or even respiratory arrest.
Lumbar Sprain in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
A lumbar sprain is injury to the lower-back muscles, ligaments, and spinal joints from sudden over-contraction or trauma, most common in small breeds and pets with rickets or nutritional deficiency. Signs range from a stiff arched back and weak hind limbs to, in severe cases, paralysis and loss of bowel or bladder control. Prompt rest and veterinary care prevent lasting nerve damage.
Multiple Cartilaginous Exostoses in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Multiple cartilaginous exostoses (multiple osteochondromas) are benign bony outgrowths that can appear on the spine, ribs, and long bones of young dogs and cats, possibly inherited. They are painless until they press on a tendon, vessel, or nerve, causing lameness, pain, or incoordination; otherwise no treatment is needed, but symptomatic ones are removed surgically.
Intervertebral Disc Disease in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Intervertebral disc disease occurs when a degenerating disc bulges or ruptures and presses on the spinal cord, causing pain, numbness, and movement loss. It favors the thoracolumbar (about 85%) and cervical (about 15%) spine in small or chondrodystrophic dogs. Conservative rest and anti-inflammatories help mild cases; severe ones need decompressive surgery.
Atlantoaxial Instability in Dogs and Cats
Atlantoaxial instability is a misalignment of the first two neck vertebrae that compresses the cervical spinal cord, causing neck pain, stiffness, and incoordination. It may follow trauma or be congenital, and severe cases can cause respiratory paralysis and death if untreated.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in Dogs and Cats
Intervertebral disc disease occurs when a degenerate disc bulges or herniates and compresses the spinal cord, causing pain, incoordination, and paralysis. It is most common in small or older chondrodystrophic dogs and rarely resolves without treatment.
Cervical Spondylomyelopathy (Wobbler Syndrome) in Dogs and Cats
Cervical spondylomyelopathy, also called Wobbler syndrome, is a progressive compression of the cervical spinal cord that causes weakening and incoordination of all four limbs. It is most often seen in young Great Danes and middle-aged to older Dobermans, and both conservative and surgical care may be needed.
Myelitis and Meningomyelitis in Dogs and Cats
Myelitis and meningomyelitis are inflammations of the spinal cord and its surrounding membranes, often secondary to infection or trauma. They cause fever, pain, and progressive weakness or paralysis, and treatment must eliminate the underlying cause while controlling inflammation.