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Thoracolumbar Disc Disease
Thoracolumbar (T-L) disc disease is a condition that occurs when pressure is placed on the spinal cord by disc material that herniates beneath or adjacent to the cord in the mid-back area. It may be an acute (occurs suddenly) or chronic (slowly develops over time) condition in dogs. Typically small breed disc herniation occurs acutely and large breed disc herniation occurs chronically. Clinical signs vary and range from pain to ataxia to paralysis.
Thoracolumbar disc herniation can be diagnosed using X-ray, myelography (spinal dye study) or MRI. The treatment involves removing the disc material from the spinal canal. Overall the prognosis following T-L disc surgery is good to excellent. However, prognosis is dependent on if “deep pain” is present. Recurrence at the same or another location is possible but unlikely (5-10% chance).
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