Intervertebral Disk Disease

Question 1

What is one of the most common disorders involving the spinal cord of small animals?

Answer 1

Intervertebral Disk Disease

Question 2

What happens in a case of Intervertebral Disk Disease?

Answer 2

Disk Herniations

Question 3

There are two types of Disk Herniations, what are the characteristics of type one?

Answer 3

Common in younger animals and acute rupture into the spinal canal

Question 4

What are the characteristics of type two Herniations?

Answer 4

-Older (>5 yrs) and large breed dogs
-Extrusion: less acute, less severe, and occurs over a longer period

Question 5

Intervertebral Disk Disease clinical signs

Answer 5

Pain, paresis, decreased Panniculus reflex, altered deep pain response

Question 6

Diagnosis of Intervertebral Disk Disease

Answer 6

Neuro exam, radiographs, and myelogram

Question 7

Medical Treatment of Intervertebral Disk Disease

Answer 7

Cage rest and Corticosteroids

Question 8

Nursing care for Intervertebral Disk Disease

Answer 8

Padded cage, prevent bed sores, U-cath/ bladder expression, nutrition and hydration

Question 9

Surgery?

Answer 9

ASAP if deep pain is still present (poor prognosis)