INTERVERTEBRAL-DISK DISEASE IN DOGS WITH SIGNS OF BACK PAIN ALONE - 25 CASES (1986-1993)

Objective-To evaluate the population characteristics; historical, clin ical, and diagnostic findings; and treatment outcome of dogs with thor acolumbar intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) whose only clinical signs were those of back pain. Design-Retrospective case series. Animals-Do gs with IVDD and clinical signs of back pain only, without neurologic deficits, in which survey radiography of the vertebral column and diag nostic myelographic studies were performed. Procedure-Review of the me dical record, evaluation of survey radiographs of the vertebral column , evaluation of myelograms and estimation of apparent extent of spinal cord compression, and follow-up information provided by telephone con tact with owners. Results-Spinal cord compression was detected on myel ography in 20 of 25 (80%) dogs. Treatment included decompressive surge ry in 18 of 25 (72%) dogs and all dogs underwent intervertebral disk f enestration. The condition was improved in 24 of 25 (96%) dogs after s urgery. Clinical Implications-Dogs with thoracolumbar IVDD that have c linical signs of back pain alone, without neurologic deficits, may hav e substantial compression of the spinal cord.