The importance of early diagnosis in canine thoracolumbar intervertebral disc disease (Hasen Type I): Case report

Abstract

Hasen type I intervertebral disc disease (DDIV) occurs due to the extrusion of material from the pulpal nucleus into the vertebral canal. The matrix of the nucleus degenerates, dehydrates and mineralizes, associating chondroid degeneration of the intervertebral disc. Although the etiology of this alteration is not known, genetics is believed to be of great importance. DDIV can develop in any spinal segment, but the thoracolumbar region is more affected. The thoracic spine has a lower risk of disc herniation, due to stabilization through dorsal intercapital ligaments. It affects middle-aged animals to the elderly and has no sexual predilection. The disease is most commonly seen in chondrodystrophic breeds, but it also occurs in large breeds. The objective was to report the care of a dog diagnosed by tomography with Hasen type I thoracolumbar intervertebral disc disease in a canine. The animal arrived for referred neurological care, presenting a history of claudication of the left posterior limb for 4 weeks. Patient showing urinary retention. During the clinical evaluation, outpatient paraparesis and proprioceptive deficit were observed in the tests of posture and jumping of the left posterior limb. Superficial and deep pain preserved. Spinal segmental reflexes in pelvic limbs showing left patellar hyperreflexia. Muscle tone without changes at the time of the exam. He was referred for computed tomography in which he found compression by means of extrusion on the left ventrolateral T12-T13, who underwent surgery with improvement of the condition. This work demonstrates the importance of early diagnosis, by means of a correct neurological, imaging exams and thus an effective surgical therapeutic approach, with the result of improving the patient's clinical condition.