Canine Disk Disease in Bichons

Canine Disk Disease

• Canine disk disease is known by a variety of names, including degenerative disk disease, intervertebral disk disease, ruptured disk or slipped disk. All of these terms refer to a problem with the disk, which is a cushiony padding between each of the vertebrae in the spinal column.

  According to Fetchdog, disks have a rigid outer shell and a soft pasty substance inside. In the case of a ruptured disk, the outer shell of the disk deteriorates and the inner substance escapes, and the inner material pushes up and puts pressure on the spinal cord. The pressure can cause pain and paralysis. This particular type of rupture is called a Hansens Type I. Bichons are at risk for suffering a Hansens Type I rupture because of their long backs.

Causes

• PetEducation.com says that ruptured disks can be caused by genetic or physical problems that develop through breeding. The Bichon Frise website explains that bichons were imported to the United States from Europe in the 1950s. The breed and lines that developed during this period had long bodies and short legs. Dogs with this particular body type often suffer from slipped disks because their long bodies place their spinal columns under extra pressure, according to the Bichon Health website.

Symptoms

• Ruptured disks can be extremely painful. Your bichon's symptoms will vary depending on what part of the back suffered the rupture. The dog may not want to turn his head or be touched on his neck or back, according to PetEducation.com. He may shiver or cry out from pain, and walk slowly and cautiously. He may not want to eat or drink. In severe cases, he may lose control of his bladder and bowels, or become partially or completely paralyzed.

  Fetchdog warns that these symptoms can occur suddenly with little warning. Hansens Type I disk disease, which is the type that affects bichons most frequently, usually causes a sudden disk rupture in the middle of the dog's back.

Diagnosis

• Pawprints & Purrs explains that a veterinarian can diagnose degenerative disk disease by examining the dog and asking you questions about his symptoms. She also might conduct a myelogram, which involves injecting a small amount of radioactive dye in the dog's spinal column while the dog is sedated. The dye lights up the spinal column, revealing whether there are any breaks in the line. Breaks in the dye line indicate areas where pressure is being placed on the spinal cord.

Treatment

• If your dog has mild symptoms, your veterinarian can prescribe an anti-inflammatory drug or steroid, such as prednisone, that will reduce the swelling. Pain medication may be prescribed.

  In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the disk material that is causing pressure on the spinal cord. The prognosis for recovery is better if the dog's condition is diagnosed before he becomes paralyzed or loses his ability to feel pain.