For hundreds of years the only people to own Lhasa Apso's were holy men of Tibet. They make such good watch dogs, they were used to guard sacred temples. By 1933, the dogs were introduced to the United States as gifts to our diplomats. They are hardy and affectionate, but due to their long backs they tend to be affected by degenerative disc disease in both the neck and back.
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Identification
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The discs of the neck and back act as a cushion in between the bones of the spinal cord. It's these discs that keep the spinal bones from touching each other and causing damage and pain. The disc is made of two sections, an outer covering and the central nucleus. When the outer covering begins to deteriorate, it will allow the disc to slip out of place or rupture. This is extremely painful.
Causes
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Lhasa Apso̵7;s have a genetic predisposition to this disease. The onset is usually caused by natural aging around the time the dog is between 3 and 7 years old. It can also be caused by a sudden jump or fall. Because of the Lhasa Apso̵7;s long back and short legs, the pressure from even the slightest jump, say from the couch to the floor, causes stress to the disc covering and over time it will wear away.
Symptoms
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If you notice your Lhasa Apso seems to experience difficulty raising his head, walking in a normal manner or is suddenly paralyzed and you know for certain that no traumatic event has taken place to cause an injury, he may be experiencing the onset of degenerative disc disease. There are five different stages of this condition so it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Diagnosis
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Your veterinarian may perform x-rays but don̵7;t be surprised if these show no problems. If this is the case, the vet may conduct a myelogram. A myelogram is done by injecting a special dye to highlight the spinal cord and then performing an MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging. If the images show a break of color where dye should be, that means a problem exists in this area.
Stages and Treatment
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If your dog is diagnosed with stage I disc disease, the pain is mild and the condition can sometimes correct itself in about three days. Starting at stage II however, the pain can be moderate to severe in her neck radiating down to her lower back. Stage III causes paralysis and the dog has difficulty walking. Stage IV brings about total paralysis and the inability to feel. At this point, surgery will be required. Length of recovery depends on how quickly treatment is administered. Only your vet can determine an individual prognosis. The chance of a full recovery grows significantly smaller after 24 hours of symptoms.
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