Spinal Cord Injury in Dogs

Accidents, disease and genetic defects are the leading causes of spinal cord damage in dogs. Some injuries are treatable, while others are not, resulting in paralysis and in many cases, euthanasia. Speedy treatment is essential to recovery, and adaptive equipment is one alternative to putting a dog down.

The Spine

A dog's physiology, though different from humans in some ways, is very similar in its central nervous system. Like humans, dogs have a neural highway that takes messages from the brain to all parts of the body and sends information from all parts of the body back to the brain. The spinal cord is the main pathway for this information. It is protected by the spinal column, which consists of bony vertebrae that encase the spinal cord and fluid-filled disks that provide a cushion. When the spinal cord is damaged due to injury or disease, these specialized nerve cells may die. Since these nerve cells cannot regenerate, any movement or sensation associated with that portion of the spinal cord is diminished or destroyed.

Disease

Some dogs, especially large breeds like German shepherds, Irish setters, and Rhodesian ridgebacks, may develop degenerative myelopathy, a condition involving the spinal cord, brain stem and bone marrow. The dog begins to lose both muscle mass and muscle control, and becomes progressively weaker until total paralysis sets in. The condition is not well understood and is irreversible.

Some dogs have a genetic predisposition to degenerative disk disease, a condition in which the disks in the spine begin to disintegrate. This is a particular problem with the dachshund because of its disproportionately elongated spine. These damaged disks can burst or bulge and exert pressure on the delicate spinal cord. This cuts off the blood supply to the spine and if not treated immediately may paralyze the dog. Since this is a genetic trait, conscientious breeders are systematically breeding this trait out of the dog population, though many puppy mills are not so diligent.

Accidents

Being hit by a car is the most common cause of spinal cord injuries in dogs. Upon impact, the spinal column may be crushed or fractured or the intervertebral disks may be ruptured or torn. If your dog is hit by a car, be very cautious when moving him, since the accident may have damaged the spinal cord. Twisting, bending or compressing the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis. If your dog is small, carefully place him in a box to take him to the vet. If he is large, carry him on a flat board or have several people carry him, supporting the area of the injury.

Symptoms

If your dog experiences spinal cord damage due to injury or disease, he may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms, listed in order of appearance: refusal to jump or sit up; loss of control of his back end, including swaying while walking; difficultly getting up; standing on tiptoe instead of flat-footed; not responding when you touch his body below the injured area; unable to get up and only move his back legs a little; becoming paralyzed and unable to control his bowels.

Treatment

Depending on the cause of the spinal cord injury, treatment may be crate rest, physical therapy, surgery or supportive care. In the case of degenerative disk disease, crate rest may avert paralysis if started immediately, though surgery within 12 hours is 95 percent successful. With degenerative myelopathy, supportive care is often the only option, though physical therapy, especially swimming, may help. Acupuncture has also been reported to ease pain and increase mobility.

If your dog is paralyzed due to spinal cord injury or disease, assess his quality of life. Dogs are not ashamed or frustrated by physical limitations. If he is otherwise healthy and happy, consider purchasing adaptive equipment, such as wheelchair-like carts designed especially for dogs, to make him more mobile.

References

• Dachshunds for Dummies; Eve Adamson; 2001
• Spinal Cord Disease in Dogs

Resources

• Pet Alert: Head, Neck & Spinal Injuries