Out of all the dog breeds, the beagle ranks in the top five for being susceptible to herniated discs. These occur when the spinal cord is compressed by a diseased intervertebral disc. This can occur either through injury or gradual degeneration. Because the spinal cord is essential in the transmission of ̶0;messages̶1; between the brain and parts of the body, dogs can experience anything from the loss of limb function to loss of bowel and bladder control.
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Facts on Herniated Discs
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Eighty-five percent of herniated discs occur in the middle back, and the other 15 percent occur in the neck. Onset of a problem can occur within minutes, hours or days, and deterioration can be rapid or slow. Although middle-aged to older beagles are more susceptible to herniated discs, issues can be seen in younger beagles as well.
Symptoms
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(1) Guarding of the neck. You may notice your beagle resists moving its neck, or it might have difficulty when trying to eat out of the food bowl. It also might cry out when its head or neck is touched.
(2) Crying out in pain either when walking or lying down.
(3) Weakness of the limbs, scuffing the toenails, dragging the back legs, wobbling and even limb paralysis.
Treatment
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Most cases will improve with treatment. This involves enforced rest and drug therapy. Enforced rest can be accomplished by confinement in a small room, a crate, a playpen or a crib. Disturbances should be minimized, and exercise should be restricted to short leash walks (away from other animals) several times a day. The beagle should have soft, comfortable bedding and access to food and water.
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