Buster - Intervertebral Disk Disease

Meet Buster. Buster was presented with a history of inability to walk after being stepped on. He was unable to use his back legs, had a lack of superficial and deep pain, and could not urinate on his own.

Radiographs revealed a narrowing in the disk space between lumbar vertebrae numbers 5 and 6 (red arrow). This can be the result of a ruptured or inflamed disk. When a disk ruptures the resulting swelling and inflammation can put pressure on the spinal cord and associated nerves. Signs can vary depending on the severity of the injury and can include mild discomfort to total paralysis. Buster was medicated with steroids and muscle relaxers and allowed to rest for several days.

After several days, Busters showed tremendous improvment in mobility, pain sensation, and urinating ability.

Buster was released on additional medication. Limited activity will be encouraged over the next month while he continues to recover. In more severe cases and/or in cases failing to respond to medical management, surgery is to manually remove the affected disk material is indicated. 

Special thanks to Buster's owner for allowing us to share this case.