Disorder - Calcification of intervertebral discs

Organ Systems Involved
Musculoskeletal

Alternative Names
Intervertebral Disc Disease

Brief Description

Affected dogs have abnormal deposits of calcium in the soft tissue of the intervertebral discs of their back and neck (the cushioning discs between the vertebral bones of the spine); this makes them prone to disc herniation, where the disc ruptures into the spinal cord causing pain, weakness and paralysis.

Presenting Signs

Affected dogs will show varying symptoms depending on the amount of calcium deposited, and its location along the spine (most commonly in the mid-back region). They may show neck and back pain, reluctance in jumping and walking up stairs, weakness, and they may be unable to support weight on their back limbs. Calcifications are most noticeable around the age of 12 -18 months, from which point they may increase in number or decrease without degenerating further. The possible effect of this disease is the rupture of the disc into the spinal cord. This causes increasingly severe signs including back pain, wobbly gait, weakness, loss of sensation in the legs and muscular paralysis. Other consequences of the ruptured disc and spinal nerve damage include severe bleeding inside the spinal cord and lack of bladder control.

Groups Affected
Gundog
Hound
Non Sporting
Terrier
Toy
Utility
Working dog


Breeds Affected
American cocker spaniel
Beagle
Dachshund (long, smooth and wire haired)
Dachshund (miniature - long, smooth and wire-haired)
Dandie Dinmont terrier
Dobermann
English springer spaniel
Pekingese
Poodle (Miniature)
Poodle (Toy)
Pug
Welsh Corgi (Cardigan)


Treatment

Surgical/Medical

Related Disorders

Chondrodystrophy (hypochondroplasia)

PubMed References
Calcification of intervertebral discs

Further Reference Material [OMIA Number]
157


Contributor
Laura Grogan