犬椎間盤疾病(IVDD)
椎間盤疾病是犬隻背痛、虛弱和癱瘓的常見原因。及早治療對最佳預後至關重要。
当椎骨之间的缓冲椎间盘退化、凸出或破裂进入椎管时,就会发生椎间盘疾病 (IVDD)。这会压迫脊髓,导致疼痛、虚弱和瘫痪。 IVDD 在软骨营养不良(短腿)品种中尤其常见。 RVC 提供紧急和手术管理。请致电 +853 6677 6611。
要点
- IVDD is degeneration of the discs between spinal vertebrae
- Chondrodystrophic breeds (Dachshunds, Shih Tzus, Pekingese) are at highest risk
- Symptoms range from back pain to complete paralysis
- Early surgical intervention offers the best chance of recovery
- Dogs that lose deep pain sensation need emergency surgery within 24 hours
- Conservative management may be appropriate for mild cases
Types of IVDD
Hansen Type I: acute rupture of a degenerated disc, common in chondrodystrophic breeds (Dachshund, Beagle, Shih Tzu, Pekingese, Corgi). The disc extrudes into the spinal canal suddenly, causing acute symptoms. Usually occurs in young to middle-aged dogs (3-6 years). Hansen Type II: gradual protrusion of a disc, more common in non-chondrodystrophic breeds (German Shepherd, Labrador). Disc material slowly pushes into the canal, causing progressive symptoms. Usually occurs in older dogs (8+ years).
Symptoms and Grading
Grade 1: Pain only — back or neck pain, reluctant to move, crying when picked up. Grade 2: Ambulatory paraparesis — weak, wobbly back legs but can walk. Grade 3: Non-ambulatory paraparesis — can't stand or walk, but still has leg movement. Grade 4: Paraplegia — no leg movement, but still has deep pain sensation. Grade 5: Paraplegia with no deep pain — the most severe, requires emergency surgery within 12-24 hours for any chance of recovery.
Diagnosis
Physical and neurologic examination localizes the lesion to a region of the spine. X-rays may show disc space narrowing or calcified discs but cannot definitively diagnose spinal cord compression. Advanced imaging is required: MRI (gold standard — shows soft tissue detail), CT with myelogram (contrast dye in spinal canal), or myelogram alone. These are essential for surgical planning. Blood tests rule out other causes of weakness.
Treatment Options
Conservative management (Grades 1-2): strict crate rest for 4-8 weeks, pain medications, anti-inflammatories, and muscle relaxants. Success rate is good for mild cases but recurrence is common. Surgery (hemilaminectomy or ventral slot): removes the disc material compressing the spinal cord. Best outcomes when performed early, especially before deep pain is lost. Success rate: 80-95% return to ambulation if deep pain is present; drops to 50% or less if deep pain is absent. Post-surgery: bladder management, physical therapy, and gradual return to activity.
何时立即去看兽医
- Sudden back or neck pain, especially in a predisposed breed
- Reluctance to jump, climb stairs, or move
- Weakness or wobbliness in the hind legs
- Dragging hind feet or knuckling
- Inability to walk or stand
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- ANY paralysis — this is an emergency
RVC 如何提供帮助
IVDD 是一种时间敏感的紧急情况。 RVC 提供 MRI 和手术的紧急评估和转诊。如果您怀疑 IVDD,请立即致电 +853 6677 6611。
+853 6677 6611