Cervical Intervertebral Disc Disease Research Articles

Cervical intervertebral disc disease in 307 small-breed dogs (2000-2021): Breed-characteristic features and disc-associated vertebral instability.

To evaluate the breed-characteristic features of cervical intervertebral disc disease (C-IVDD) and associated vertebral instability in small-breed dogs and to present the concept of intervertebral disc degeneration and associated instability stage, method of diagnosis, treatment and outcomes. In total, 307 client-owned dogs with C-IVDD treated with spinal cord decompression with or without vertebral stabilization (2000-2021). Information on age, sex, affected sites, stabilized sites, diagnostic methods for vertebral instability and outcomes were retrieved. The patient's age, affected sites (cranial vs caudal discs), and frequency of vertebral stabilization were compared in six CD and five NCD breed. Multivariable analyses of the chondrodystrophic (CD) vs non-CD (NCD) groups, and vertebral stabilization (dogs stabilized vs dogs not stabilized) were performed. In total, 222 (72.3%) and 77 (25.1%) were CD and NCD breeds, respectively. Vertebral instabilities were diagnosed based on the survey radiographs with computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (n = 2), dynamic myelography (n = 29), intraoperative spinal manipulation (n = 11) or second surgery in dogs with persistent postoperative paraspinal pain (n = 3). Of these dogs, 295 (96.1%) recovered (median follow-up: 8.5 [range, 1-119] months). Significant differences in age, affected sites and frequency of stabilization were noted among the breeds. Older age and frequent vertebral stabilization were the associated factors for the NCD breed dogs. Male dogs, caudal discs affected (C5-T1) and the NCD breed dogs were risk factors for the dogs with vertebral stabilization. Vertebral stabilization is indicated for small-breed dogs with cervical disc-associated vertebral instability.

Macleaya Extract versus Pregabalin Therapeutic Effectiveness for Neuropathic Pain in Dogs.

Dogs suffer from neuropathic pain due to several neurological disorders, particularly intervertebral disc disease. We aimed to identify alternative therapeutics for neuropathic pain relief in dogs by comparing the treatment efficacy of pregabalin and Macleaya extract against neuropathic pain from cervical spinal hyperesthesia caused by intervertebral disc disease in dogs. We evaluated 10 dogs suffering from cervical intervertebral disc disease for neuropathic pain using the filament von Frey aesthesiometer (VFA). The dogs were randomly divided into two groups, G1 (n = 5) was treated with 4 mg/kg of pregabalin/12 hours orally for 14 days, and G2 (n = 5) was treated with 15 mg/kg Macleaya extract once daily orally for 14 days. To detect neuropathic pain, the VFA was used to measure the sensory threshold (ST) on days 0, 7, and 14. The results revealed decreases in all ST outcomes with no significant differences between the groups on day 14 posttreatment, as well as a decrease in the severity of neurological disease in both groups on day 7 posttreatment. No significant differences were detected in hematological and biochemical profiles (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum creatinine (SCR), urea nitrogen (BUN), and total protein (TP)) in both groups between pre- and posttreatment were not significantly different. The Macleaya extract can reduce neuropathic pain in a similar pattern to pregabalin. Macleaya extract may be effective for the treatment of neuropathic pain in dogs with spinal hyperesthesia.

Non-surgical treatment of the cervical intervertebral disc disease in a dog with Chiari-like malformation

Non-surgical treatment of the cervical intervertebral disc disease in a dog with Chiari-like malformation

Video telescope operating monitor-assisted surgery is equivalent to conventional surgery in treatment of cervical intervertebral disc herniation in dogs.

To compare the use of the video telescope operating monitor (VITOM) and use of a conventional unassisted surgical method for treatment of cervical intervertebral disc herniation in dogs. 39 dogs with cervical intervertebral disc disease. Prospective study. Dogs were prospectively nonrandomly assigned to either the VITOM (n = 19) or conventional surgery (20) group depending on VITOM system availability. Signalment and preoperative neurologic status were recorded for all dogs. Preoperative and postoperative CT myelography was performed to compare intervertebral space location, spinal cord dimensions at the decompression level, ventral slot dimensions, and residual disc material. Surgical complications and postoperative neurologic outcomes were recorded. Data were compared between the 2 groups using fixed-effects or mixed-effects models to consider double reading of CT myelography images. No significant differences were noted between the 2 groups regarding the decompression ratio (P = .85), vertebral length body ratio (P = .13), ventral slot width ratio (P = .39), residual disc material (P = .30), and sinus bleeding (P = .12). No significant differences were found between the 2 groups regarding postoperative neurologic grade (P = .17). VITOM-assisted ventral slot decompression is equivalent to conventional surgery in treatment of cervical intervertebral disc herniation in dogs. The use of VITOM remains a good alternative to the conventional surgical method.

Outcomes in Dogs with Multiple Sites of Cervical Intervertebral Disc Disease Treated with Single Ventral Slot Decompression.

In dogs with acute myelopathy but showing multiple sites of spinal compression from intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) on imaging, one approach is surgical decompression of the single acute disc extrusion while ignoring other previously extruded or protruded discs. However, little is known regarding the outcomes of this approach. This study described the outcomes and investigated prognostic factors in 40 dogs with multiple sites of cervical disc extrusion or protrusion on MRI who underwent ventral slot decompression for the single acute disc. The overall recovery rate was 97.5%. The median recovery time was seven days. The number of affected discs (including disc extrusion and protrusion) and the presence and number of the affected discs causing severe spinal compression did not influence the 30-day outcome. Compared with 23 dogs with single disc extrusion treated surgically, the recovery time and outcomes were similar between the two groups. The total number of affected discs was not associated with recovery time or outcomes. In conclusion, if an acute disc could be identified, ventral slot decompression targeting the single acute disc is a viable management approach for dogs with an acute presentation but diagnosed with multiple sites of spinal cord compression from IVDD.

Cervical intervertebral disc disease in 60 Yorkshire terriers.

Intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE) is a common neurological condition in many dog breeds. This study aimed to describe this condition in Yorkshire terriers (YT) and calculate the prevalence of this condition amongst the YTs with neurological diseases. This is a double-centre retrospective study which was conducted in two arms. The first part of the study, describing the clinical features and prognosis of cervical (C) IVDE in YTs, is based on data from 2005 to 2021. The second part of the study calculated the prevalence of C IVDE amongst the YTs with neurological diseases based on data from 2016 to 2021. A retrospective search through the medical records was conducted. YTs with C IVDE diagnosed with MRI and confirmed surgically were eligible for inclusion in this study. Sixty YTs were included in the first part of the study. There were 48 (80%) dogs with acute onset and 12 (20%) with chronic onset with acute deterioration. Ambulation was preserved in 31 (51.7%) dogs on admission, and the remaining 29 (48.3%) dogs were non-ambulatory. No significant association was found between ambulation on admission and recovery status (p = 0.547). Seventy-three intervertebral spaces were treated during the surgical intervention. Relapses were seen in seven (11.7%) dogs. Forty-nine (81.7%) dogs were ambulatory at discharge. A complete recovery was observed in 46 (76.7%) dogs; the remaining dogs (14, 23.3%) were classified as incomplete recovery. A significant difference was found in time to ambulation (p = 0.0238) and time to discharge (p = 0.0139) between the on-admission ambulatory and non-ambulatory dogs. Three hundred and eight YTs were diagnosed with neurological diseases between 2016 and 2021 in one referral centre. C IVDE was diagnosed in 31 (10.06%) dogs. This is the first study explicitly describing the C IVDE in YTs and establishing the prevalence of this condition amongst YTs with other neurological disorders.

Material science and biomechanical interactions in cervical disc arthroplasty

Historically, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) has been the preferred surgical technique to address myelopathy and radiculopathy due to cervical spine intervertebral disc disease. Continued design improvements and theoretical biomechanical advantages to cervical disc arthroplasty over the last decade have made cervical disc arthroplasty an appealing alternative to ACDF, especially in younger patient populations without significant spondylosis who may wish to preserve neck motion. This narrative review will discuss the recent advances in cervical disc arthroplasty in regard to material composition, overall design and resultant degrees of freedom of the devices, the potential sparing of neck range of motion, and the theoretical biomechanical advantages of an arthroplasty compared to an ACDF.

Effect of Selected Group of Asanas on the Patients with Cervical Vertigo

One of the most prevalent issues among patients in their middle years is vertigo. The existence of so-called cervical vertigo among the different causes of dizziness is still debatable. Based on the research of cervical vertigo was once believed to be caused by aberrant input from cervical sympathetic nerves. Later studies discovered that sympathetic stimulation has no effect on cerebral blood flow. Some studies made the hypothesis that diseases of vertigo of cervical origin can be associated to aberrant sensory input from the damaged joint receptors of upper cervical areas. Additional research revealed that cervical intervertebral disc disease appears to be the source of cervical vertigo. According to recent studies, vertigo of cervical origin may be associated to the in growth of many Ruffini corpuscles into degenerative cervical discs. Generally, the symptoms of Vertigo are not visible at the initial time, some time people consider it as epilepsy or brain related disease, first of all, it is necessary to diagnose and treat it properly. Yoga is an alternative therapy for any kind of cervical related problems, in which some special Asanas like Bhujangasana, Dhanurasana, Makarasana, Ardhamatsyendrasana, Akaranadhanurasana and Pranayama such as NadiShodhan, Bhramari, and Udgeetha. Which is helpful in this type of pain, it has been seen from many studies that yoga may work as a shield for spinal card related problems.

Early Locomotor Training in Tetraplegic Post-Surgical Dogs with Cervical Intervertebral Disc Disease.

Simple SummaryAcute cervical disk disease may result in tetraplegic dogs without the ability of sternal posture, which could result in aspiration pneumonia, hypoventilation and other complications. The main treatment approach is surgical, depending on the clinical sign’s severity, and early post-operative rehabilitation may also be considered, including in dogs with spinal hyperesthesia, through the implementation of locomotor training with specific guidelines in the first days after surgery. Locomotor training (LT) is task-specific repetitive training, with sensorimotor stimulation and intensive exercises that promote neuromuscular reorganization. This study aimed to observe if LT could be initiated safely in the first 3–15 days after surgery in tetraplegic C1–C5 IVDD—Hansen type I dogs. This prospective blinded clinical study was conducted at two rehabilitation centers in Portugal, with 114 grade 1 (MFS/OFS) dogs, divided by the presence of spinal hyperesthesia into the SHG (spinal hyperesthesia group) (n = 74) and the NSHG (non-spinal hyperesthesia group) (n = 40), evaluated in each time point for two weeks according to a neurorehabilitation checklist by three observers for inter-agreement relation. LT was safely applied with 62.3% of the OFS ≥ 11 within 15 days and of these, 32.4% achieved a OFS ≥ 13. There were no new cases of hyperesthesia in the NSHG and from the SHG all recovered. Comparing groups, a significant difference was observed in their ability to achieve ambulatory status (p < 0.001), between the presence of hyperesthesia and days until ambulation (p < 0.006) and in each time point (p < 0.001; R2 = 0.809). Early LT may be a safe treatment to be applied in the first 3 days on these dogs and spinal hyperesthesia should be important to the rehabilitation team. This study should be continued.

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine Treatment for Neck Pain and Cervical Disc Disease: A Retrospective Study in 42 Dogs

Cervical intervertebral disc disease accounts for 12.9-25% incidence of intervertebral diseases in dogs. This retrospective cohort study compared the efficacy of conventional treatment to traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) for neck pain and/or cervical disc disease (CDD). Medical records were collected on 42 dogs that exhibited one or more of the following clinical signs: cervical pain, cervical stiffness, decreased range of motion of neck, hemiparesis or tetraparesis. Qualified cases were classified into a TCVM Treatment Group (n=31) using acupuncture/Chinese herbal medicine or a Control Treatment Group (n=11) using corticosteroids/non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). For each subject, assessment scores in cervical pain, stiffness, range of motion, neurological deficits and front limb lameness before and after 4 treatments were reviewed. The sum of all 5 clinical scores (overall improvement) was used as the final treatment outcome measurement for group comparisons. No statistically significant group differences were found in sex, age, weight and pre-treatment overall clinical score (p&gt;0.05). The Control Group had an overall pre-treatment score (M±SD) of 8.36±3.07, which significantly improved (decreased) to 4.91±3.73 after completing the treatments (p=0.006). The TCVM Group’s overall score (M±SD) improved from 9.39±3.13 to 1.23±0.72 (p=9.3×10-10). The improvement in the TCVM Group was significantly greater than the Control Group (p=0.00004). The results from this retrospective study suggest that, while both treatment schemes can improve clinical signs of cervical pain and/or cervical disc disease in dogs, the TCVM treatment has the potential for superiority to conventional medical treatment.

Comparison of Dorsal-to-Ventral Ratios of the Cervical Paraspinal Musculature in French Bulldogs With and Without Cervical Intervertebral Disk Disease and Two Other Breeds Based on CT Scan Measurements

Objective: To objectively assess the cervical paraspinal musculature of French bulldogs (FBs) using computed tomography (CT) scan-based measurements, outline differences in other breeds published in the literature, and investigate the potential influence of its cervical paraspinal musculature on predisposed sites for intervertebral disk disease.Animals: Thirty FBs that underwent CT scans of the cervical spine from the skull to C7/T1 were enrolled. Fifteen dogs were patients suffering from intervertebral disk herniation (IVDH group), and 15 dogs underwent CT scans due to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS group).Methods: At the level of each cervical intervertebral disk from C2/C3 to C7/T1, measurements were performed and statistically analyzed. On the sagittal CT scan reconstruction, the height ratio of the dorsal to ventral paraspinal musculature and the angle of the disk axis to vertebral body length were assessed. On the transverse plane, the area ratio of the dorsal and ventral paraspinal musculature and the ratio of force moments were determined at each intervertebral disk level. Finally, ratios were compared to the values of Labrador retrievers and dachshunds published by Hartmann et al. (1).Results: Comparing the two FB groups, one significant difference was detected in the mean height ratio of the dorsal to ventral paraspinal musculature at the level of C5/C6 (P = 0.0092) and C6/C7 (P = 0.0076), with IVDH FBs having the more prominent dorsal paraspinal musculature. At the level of C3/C4, a significantly less prominent dorsal paraspinal musculature in FBs than in dachshunds (P = 0.0058) and a significantly steeper disk to vertebral body angulation were observed (P = 0.0005).Conclusion: Although some incidental differences were found, most parameters did not significantly differ between the BOAS and IVDH FBs. Significant conformational differences in the cervical paraspinal musculature and disk to vertebral body length angulation were found between FBs and two other breeds (chondrodystrophic and non-chondrodystrophic). This study's findings suggest that the paraspinal musculature is an additional biomechanical influencing factor on the preferential sites of IVDH in the cervical spine and that other major factors exist in IVDH development, especially in FBs.

Pattern of cervical disc changes in patients with non-traumatic neck pain: a review of cervical MRI scan findings

Background: Neck pain is a common global health problem causing significant individual disability and socioeconomic burden on health care facilities. Many factors have been associated with neck pain but the most implicated is the cervical intervertebral disc disease. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is considered globally as the most sensitive test for detecting degenerative disc abnormalities associated with neck pain. The objective of this study was to evaluate cervical disc changes on MRI in non-traumatic symptomatic subjects and to accumulate baseline data on the pattern of changes.Methods: A four-years retrospective review of 115 patients (age range 13 to 81 years) who had a cervical MRI scan due to non-traumatic neck and radiating shoulder pain from September 2017 to February 2021 at the Radiology Department of Jos University Teaching Hospital North Central Nigeria. All the patients were scanned using a Single Siemens (Magnetom Concerto) MRI scanner with 0.2T magnetic field strength. Sagittal T1-weighted and T2-weighted fast spin-echo images were acquired, and axial images and contrast-enhanced studies were done only when required.Results: The study included 74 (64.3%) males and 41 (35.7%) females with a mean age of 50.7±13.2 and a modal age group of 41-60 years. The normal intervertebral disc was commonest at C2/C3 followed by C6/C7 level while degenerative disc changes were most commonly seen at C4/C5 followed by C5/C6 level. The majority (93%) of patients had multilevel intervertebral disc changes and the most frequent and severe occurrences of intervertebral disc dehydration, bulge, herniation, and disc space narrowing were noted at C4/C5 (79.1%), C4/C5 (12.2%), C5/C6 (59.1%) and C4/C5 (10.4%) respectively.Conclusions: This study found all patients examined had at least one level of intervertebral disc changes with the majority having multilevel involvement (93%). The most commonly and severely affected level was C4/C5 followed by C5/C6 level. The most frequent and severe occurrences of disc desiccation, bulge, herniation (protrusion/extrusion/sequestration) and disc height reduction were noted at C4/C5 (79.1%), C4/C5 (12.2%), C5/C6 (59.1%) and C4/C5 (10.4%) respectively.

Conservative treatment of cervical intervertebral disc disease in a dog with the use of a cervical collar: case report

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is the main spinal cord disease in dogs, especially of chondrodisthrophic breeds, and it’s characterized by structural degeneration of discs, following protrusion or extrusion of debris to the medullar canal, compression and variable degrees of pain, paresis and ataxia. Surgical descompressive intervention coupled with disc fenestration are the treatment of choice as it promotes faster recovery with higher succes rates, not withou important morbidity and mortality. The conservative management is considered when the pacient has mild clinical signs, doesn’t have severe medullar compression or contusion lesions on imaging tests, as well as when there are restrictions associated with the clinical state of the pacient or the higher costs of surgical treatment.

Clinical management of dogs with presumptive diagnosis of cervical intervertebral disc disease: 78 cases (2006-2017)

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to identify dogs with a presumptive diagnosis of cervical intervertebral disc disease (IVDD; C1-C5 or C6-T2) submitted to clinical management and evaluate the outcome. This study also aimed to demonstrate the age, sex, and treatment response according to the neurological degree, and verify whether those factors could potentially influence the outcome. The data were obtained from patients with a neurological dysfunction, admitted at the Veterinary Hospital from January 2006 to March 2017. In addition to patient records, the tutors answered a questionnaire related to the success of therapy. A hundred and seventy-seven neurological records were evaluated, and 78 were included in the study according to the inclusion criteria. The most frequent breeds were Dachshunds, followed by mixed-breed dogs. Regarding the neurological dysfunction degree, 58.97% presented grade I (only neck pain), 25.64% were grade II (ambulatory tetraparesis), and 15.38% grade III (nonambulatory tetraparesis). Absolute and partial space rest were performed in 75.64% and 24.36% of the cases, respectively. The minimum rest time was one week and could come up to four weeks. Most dogs were small-sized (≤15kg). The recovery was satisfactory in 87.17% of dogs and unsatisfactory in 12.83%. Regarding recurrence, we observed that 10.3% of dogs presented satisfactory recovery. The clinical treatment for dogs with cervical IVDD can be indicated with adequate clinical response to dysfunction degrees ranging from I to III, either at rest or in restricted space and with a low rate of relapse.

Ventral slot in the clinical recovery of dogs with lateralized compression as a result of cervical intervertebral disc disease - 20 cases (2008-2018)

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to verify the clinical recovery of dogs that underwent ventral slot surgical decompression with lateralized compressions of the cervical spinal cord caused by intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Twenty patients were selected in different degrees of neurological dysfunction with definitive diagnosis of lateralized compression by cervical IVDD. Postoperative clinical recovery was assessed in patients who had undergone at least two months of the surgical procedure. There was a satisfactory recovery in 19 dogs (95%) and unsatisfactory recovery in another (5%), showing a significant clinical improvement (p&lt;0.05) in the use of this technique in lateralized compression cases. The ventral slot promotes satisfactory clinical recovery of dogs with lateralized compression of the spinal cord caused by cervical IVDD and may be indicated as a surgical alternative.

Clinical management of dogs with presumptive diagnosis of thoracolumbar intervertebral disc disease: 164 cases (2006-2017)

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to identify dogs with presumptive diagnosis of cervical intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) submitted to clinical management and to evaluate the outcomes. Data were obtained from the medical records of patients with neurological dysfunction assisted at a University Veterinary Hospital from 2006 to 2017. In addition to the patients’ records, dog owners responded to a questionnaire on the success of therapy. Four hundred and thirteen neurological records were evaluated, and 164 met the inclusion criteria of the study. The most common breed was Dachshund, followed by mongrels. Classification of neurological dysfunction in the study sample was as follows: 15.9% with grade I, 25.6% with grade II, 26.8% with grade III, 8.5% with grade IV, and 23.2% with grade V. Outcome was satisfactory in 71.6% of the dogs and unsatisfactory in 28.4% of them. Recurrence was observed in 27.7% of those with satisfactory outcomes. The clinical treatment of dogs with thoracolumbar IVDD is satisfactory, particularly for animals with milder disease grades (I, II, and III). There is possibility of recurrence with conservative therapy and clinical signs may be more severe.

Posterior longitudinal ligament resection in anterior cervical discectomy

BackgroundThe concept of generous decompression, including resection of the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) and even partial bilateral uncovertebral joint resection, has been adopted by some authors. This was justified by the need to remove compressive structures hidden underneath and to prevent nerve root impingement during extreme flexion/extension or rotation. This study was designed to assess the benefits of PLL resection as a routine step in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgeries and to find out if there is any added risk of such a procedure that overweighs its benefits.MethodsThis is a retrospective study conducted on 50 patients who underwent ACDF for treatment of degenerative cervical intervertebral disc disease with microscopic resection of the posterior longitudinal ligament.ResultsThere were 31 (62%) males and 19 (38%) females. Age ranged from 22 to 69 years with a mean age of 47.32 years. A total of 83 disc levels were operated upon with a mean of 1.66 levels per patient. Analysis of the obtained data showed a statistically significant difference between the preoperative and both early and late postoperative VAS (p value < 0.001 for both). Moreover, there was a statistically significant difference between early and late postoperative VAS with a p value < 0.001. For axial neck pain, similar results could be demonstrated. Regarding motor function of related nerve roots, there was a statistically significant improvement in preoperative motor power grade values that can be demonstrated when compared with both the early and late postoperative grade values (3.96 ± 0.638, 4.34 ± 0.557, and 4.88 ± 0.328 respectively).ConclusionsDespite being an additional step in ACDF surgery, resection of the PLL does not seem to add significant surgical risk. On the other hand, it had a positive impact on outcome regarding axial and radicular pain. So, it may be advisable to attempt resection of the PLL as a routine step in ACDF surgery.

High-Definition Video Telescope-Assisted Ventral Slot Decompression Surgery for Cervical Intervertebral Disc Herniation in 30 Dogs.

To describe the use of a video telescope operating monitor (VITOM™) for ventral slot decompression and to report its clinical applications using preoperative and postoperative computed tomography (CT) myelography. Prospective case series. Consecutive dogs presented with cervical intervertebral disc disease requiring surgical decompression (n = 30). Demographic data, preoperative neurological status, localization and lateralization of the compression, total operative time, surgical complications, ventral slot size and orientation, hospitalization time, and postoperative outcome were recorded. Preoperative and postoperative spinal cord area at the compression site and ratios of compressed to normal spinal cord area were calculated by CT myelography. French Bulldogs were the most common breed of dogs (n = 15; 50%) and neck pain was the most common neurological sign (n = 18; 60%). Postoperative CT myelography confirmed that spinal cord decompression, postoperative spinal cord area, and the ratios of compressed to normal spinal cord area improved significantly compared with preoperative measurements (P = .01). Sinus bleeding occurred in 20% of dogs. The mean ratios (± SD) of ventral slot length and width compared with vertebral body length and width were 0.21 ± 0.08 and 0.31 ± 0.07, respectively. The mean postoperative hospitalization time was 3.0 ± 0.6 days and all dogs showed clinical improvement and an excellent outcome. The VITOM™ ventral slot decompression technique was fast and easy to perform. It allowed a minimally invasive approach with a small ventral slot while improving spinal cord visualization. The results of this study support the use of the VITOM™ technique in spinal veterinary surgery.

小型犬種における多発性頸部椎間板ヘルニアに対する背側椎弓切除術の回顧的研究

小型犬種における多発性頸部椎間板ヘルニアに対する背側椎弓切除術の回顧的研究

Tratamento de doença de disco intervertebral em cão com fisioterapia e reabilitação veterinária: relato de caso

A doença do disco intervertebral (DDIV) é a causa mais frequente de lesão medular em cães. Aproximadamente 15% das discopatias em cães acometem a região cervical. A fisioterapia veterinária tem despertado grande interesse nos médicos veterinários, tendo em vista sua importante aplicação, não invasiva, em diversos tratamentos. O objetivo deste trabalho é contribuir com informações referentes à possibilidade de tratamento de cães acometidos pela DDIV cervical com as técnicas de fisioterapia veterinária e relatar o caso de um tratamento bem sucedido, bem como revisar a literatura sobre o tema.