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Predisposing factors include obesity, age, and a tendency to get up and down off furniture. Certain breeds are also predisposed to disc problems. Dachshunds far and above all other breeds are at most risk. Also at higher risk are Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Lhasas, and Bichons. Most back problems in dogs are disc protrusions. In this instance, the fibrous outer layer of the disc bulges into the spinal canal causing the spinal cord to undergo inflammation. Classically inflamation is described as heat, pain swelling, redness, and lack of function. When the spinal cord is inflamed, it's swelling is the cause of the dysfunction. The cord is then trapped in its boney encasement with no room to swell, thus causing compression. In most severe cases that require surgery, the disc has completely ruptured and the semi-gelatinous central core lies in the spinal canal with the cord causing compression, hemorrhage, and disruption of blood flow to the cord. Usually, the earlier a back problem is diagnosed, the better the chances are that surgical intervention will not become necessary. Sudden loss of motor function to the rear legs in a dog is an emergency, regardless of the time of day, please call us immediately to have your pet evaluated. Preventative medicine is invaluable. Please keep your pets trim.
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