The typical dog has 34 vertebrae in his spine, along with discs between each vertebrae, which are known as intervertebral discs. These discs are important for cushioning and protecting the vertebrae during normal, every day activities. There are many different types of disc disease that can affect the canine spine, such as degenerative disc disease or intervertebral disc disease.
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Pain
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Pain is the most common symptom associated with canine disc diseases. It is often caused by pressure on the spinal cord, usually because of a disc rupture. The owner might notice that the dog is in mild to severe pain or discomfort when he is being pet. The pain or discomfort may be especially obvious in specific areas, such as the neck or back.
Paralysis
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Many times, disc disease can lead to mild or severe paralysis. Paralysis can be partial and involve a single limb, or it can be full paralysis and involve all four legs̵2;in which the dog simply cannot move. Some cases of paralysis can be fairly mild and only cause weakness or lameness in some, or all, of the limbs. This may be noted as limping if a front leg is affected, or dragging one or both of the rear limbs. Paralysis or weakness of the limbs will vary based on the affected area of the spine.
Gait
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A change in gait may also be noted in dogs suffering from disc disease. This may be because of paralysis of one or more of the limbs, or simply because of extreme pain or discomfort.
Activity
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Since disc disease causes such aggressive, sudden bouts of pain, the dog owner might notice the dog has become less active. In cases when the dog suddenly becomes active, there might be obvious signs of discomfort, such as whining or yelping. The owner may also note that even simple movements, such as the dog turning his head, causes severe pain.
Appetite
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Some dogs suffer from a decrease or total loss of appetite because of the extreme discomfort they are experiencing.
Bladder and Bowel Movements
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Disc disease can cause some dogs to lose control over their bowel or bladder movements. This is evident if the dog has accidents around the home, especially if he soils himself without getting up to move away from the urine or feces.
Warning
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If the affected dog experiences a total loss of feeling in the rear end or if there is a total loss of bladder or bowel control, emergency veterinary care is required immediately or the dog could suffer from permanent paralysis or even death.
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