Vertebral Instability

in dogs is part of a health disorder that involves the cervical portion of the spinal cord.

The vertebral column serves to protect the spinal cord and provide posture for the body and attachment for muscles. The cervical or neck portion of the spinal column consists of seven vertebrae separated by disks that act as shock absorbers for the vertebrae. The condition of vertebral instability is caused by abnormalities or congenital defects in intervertebral discs, ligaments, or bones. The causes for these abnormalities are not certain, but nutrition and heredity are thought to play integral roles.

Symptoms:

Clinical symptoms generally include lack of motor coordination in the legs, difficulty rising, and collapse when walking. The highest prominence of vertebral instability has been seen in Great Danes and Doberman Pinschers. Medical treatment with steroids can sometimes alleviate the milder cases of vertebral instability.

- Breeds most commonly affected are Great Danes and Doberman Pinschers

- Symptoms progress from:

- Unwillingness to bend the neck

- Weakness or uncoordinated in hind limbs

- Weakness in the front limbs as well

Procedure:

When acute or chronic disk abnormalities are present, the best option is usually surgery. The goals of the surgical procedure are to decrease the compression of the discs on the spinal cord and prevent further damage that the compression causes to the central nervous system and stabilize the spinal column for improved function and mobility.

The exact method for correcting vertebral instability will be determined based on the level of compression and location of abnormalities in the cervical column.

After Care:

Hospitalization:

- Your pet will need to stay overnight one night and a pick up can be scheduled during our regular business hours the day after surgery.

- When you get your pet home, place your pet in a cool/warm (season dependent), quiet and dark room. If you leave your pet alone, he/she will sleep and be comfortable. You can increase your pet’s anxiety by doting. Your pet will have adequate medication for pain so you do not need to worry about discomfort.

Medications:

- The transdermal pain patch used for pain relief can cause constipation. Feed (1/2) can of tuna in oil daily for 4 days to prevent constipation. When you get your pet home, offer him a small amount of water. If he drinks it and does not vomit, offer twice the original amount. 2 hours later if no vomiting has occurred, offer ¼ of the amount of food in a normal meal. If your pet eats and no vomiting occurs in a 2-hour time period, then you may resume normal alimentation.

- Refer to your discharge letter for specific dosage of all medications

Food & Water:

- When you get your pet home, offer him/her a small amount of water. If your pet drinks it and does not vomit, then offer twice the original amount.

- Two hours later if no vomiting has occurred, offer ¼ of the amount of food in a normal meal.

- If your pet eats and no vomiting occurs in a 2-hour time period, then you may resume normal feeding(s).

- Please call Dr. Dew’s or your veterinarian’s office if your pet does not drink within the first 6 hours of being home or if vomiting occurs.

Exercise Restriction:

- Crate confinement for 2 weeks is suggested.

- Avoid stair activity

- Limit outdoor activity to urination and defecation 4 times daily

- After 2 weeks gradually increase leash activity

- Eliminate jumping on/off furniture

Rechecks:

- Your pet should be rechecked by Dr. Dew 10-14 days following surgery. Please call (866) 838-4282 to schedule this appointment.

Physical Therapy:

- Passive Range Of Motion (PROM) exercises should be done 4 times daily, 10-15 repetitions are adequate

- Tail walking will exercise front limbs and promote rear limb function

- Bladder management will be required until normal function returns, express bladder 4 times daily

- Swimming in tub or pool is excellent physical therapy and will decrease the severity of pressure sores or urine/fecal scalding.