Herniated discs

HERNIATED DISCS

What is a herniated disc?

Herniated discs are abnormalities of the intervertebral discs responsible for pain, neurological deficits and even paralysis. Disc herniations are common in dogs, but have also been described in cats, ferrets and rabbits, where they are less common.

They can appear suddenly, without any context of trauma or accident, or gradually.

In dogs, certain species are predisposed to herniated discs, notably those known as chondrodystrophic (short-legged, like bassets and dachshunds) and brachycephalic (with a flattened snout, like the French bulldog). Certain breeds are over-represented, such as French bulldogs, pugs and dachshunds.

The spinal column is made up of several vertebrae that articulate with each other. Between each vertebra is a flexible, deformable disc that acts as a shock absorber, thanks to its gel-like nucleus. Sometimes, the fibrous periphery of this disc hardens and becomes brittle, which explains the sudden onset of certain hernias. At this stage, simple everyday movements can rupture the annulus fibrosus, causing the nucleus to project against the spinal cord. This is known as a herniated disc. In other cases, the evolution is chronic and progressive. The intervertebral disc 'bulges' and gradually deforms. It gradually compresses the spinal cord, causing pain and paralysis.

Is it urgent to treat a herniated disc?

In most cases, a herniated disc is a surgical emergency. The spinal cord or certain nerve roots, compressed by the intervertebral disc, suffer and deteriorate rapidly, even if the initial lesions are slight.

How are paralyzed animals cared for at the Agoravet veterinary clinic?

As these are frequently true emergencies, paralyzed animals are given priority and are usually admitted without delay. After examining your pet and suspecting a herniated disc or other neurological condition, your veterinarian may refer you to our clinic for further examination and possible surgery.

Imaging tests such as CT orMRI are often necessary to confirm the hypothesis of a herniated disc.

Following this examination, surgery is usually performed immediately in the most urgent cases.

Will my pet be able to walk again after surgery?

The prognosis for recovery is sometimes difficult to establish. Depending on the severity of the paralysis, and the delay in treating the problem, the chances of recovery may be lower. The more severe the paralysis, and the longer it takes to operate, the lower the chances of recovery. Different stages are described according to the degree of pain and paralysis. The prognosis for recovery is correlated with the stage according to the following estimates:

Stage 1 disc herniation (pain without neurological deficit): Very good prognosis, 90% success rate.

Stage 2 disc herniation (recurrent pain and/or proprioceptive deficit (ambulatory paresis): Good prognosis, 80-90% success rate.

Stage 3 disc herniation ( non-ambulatory paresis): Good prognosis, 80-90% success rate.

Stage 4 disc herniation (paralysis with preserved nociception): Reserved prognosis, 60-70% success rate. In other words, 30 to 40% of patients will never recover voluntary locomotion.

Stage 5 disc herniation (paralysis without nociception): Prognosis of 50% for animals operated on soon after onset of paralysis and loss of deep pain sensitivity. This prognosis decreases with time.

Remember that if your pet is paralyzed due to a herniated disc, it's virtually impossible for him to recover without surgery. Operating on him therefore means giving him a chance of walking again, even if this cannot be guaranteed.

Some animals only walk again a few weeks after surgery. They therefore require special assistance at home for their daily lives. Recovery may be complete, but some after-effects may persist in cases where the spinal cord has been damaged.

How is pain managed?

Pain management is a priority. If pain is suspected or confirmed, your pet is rapidly given the necessary treatment until it is perfectly controlled.

During herniated disc surgery, animals are usually hospitalized for several days, to control their pain and keep them confined and at rest.

How should I care for my pet after herniated disc surgery?

After spinal or brain surgery, care may be required, especially for those who are unable to walk unaided. Physiotherapy techniques are often required for rehabilitation.

A strict resting environment must be created to avoid complications and limit painful movements.

To better understand the care that may be required, we recommend that you watch the following video.