Our Approach to Intervertebral Disc Disease in Dogs: A Review of the Current Literature

Abstract

Intervertebral disc disease is a common disorder affecting the spinal cord of canine patients. The clinical appearance of intervertebral disc disease can vary significantly and outcome as well as prognosis may be strongly dependent on the location, the severity and the duration of the disease. Over the past 60 years a lot of research had been done on this topic in order to achieve a better understanding and also to improve the treatment options and outcome of intervertebral disc diseases in dogs. This review summarizes the clinical appearance, the classification system, diagnostic possibilities, surgical intervention and prognosis and gives a broad overview over the current literature on intervertebral disc diseases in our canine patients.