As of: March 9, 2024, 5:45 a.m
By: Sophie Kluß
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Learn more about the symptoms, causes and treatment options for cauda equina syndrome in dogs, a serious neurological condition that often goes unnoticed.
Cauda Equina Syndrome in dogs is a potentially serious neurological disease that is often overlooked or only recognized late.
It affects the lower spine and the base of the dog's tail.
The syndrome occurs when the nerve roots of the cauda equina, a bundle of nerve fibers at the end of the spinal cord, become compressed.
According to the
Birkenfeld Veterinary Center,
the syndrome primarily affects “dogs of large sporting breeds from middle age onwards.”
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Cauda Equina Syndrome in Dogs: Recognizing Symptoms
Being overweight can increase the risk of cauda equina syndrome in dogs.
(Symbolic image) © Pond5 Images/Imago
Since dogs endure increasing pain for a long time, Cauda Equina Syndrome can go unnoticed by the dog owner for a long time.
The dogs only come forward when their level of suffering is very high.
Four-legged friends with Cauda Equina Syndrome often show symptoms such as difficulty walking, lameness of the hind legs, incontinence and pain in the lumbar region.
The
Birkenfeld Veterinary Center
also describes chewing on the tail or hind legs as one of the symptoms.
The dog is no longer able to actively move the tail upwards.
The apparent dragging of the hind legs when walking is a typical sign of the disease.
These signs can occur gradually and are sometimes misinterpreted as normal signs of aging.
Here you can find out how you can tell that your dog is in pain.
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Causes and risk factors for Cauda Equina Syndrome in dogs
The various causes of cauda equina syndrome in dogs include arthritic changes, infections, herniated discs, narrowing of the spinal canal, injuries and tumors.
Large and overweight dogs are also often affected by the disease.
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Diagnosis and treatment
A timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment can offer your beloved four-legged friend a better quality of life and save them great suffering.
Diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome requires a thorough clinical examination as well as imaging tests (under anesthesia) such as x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scans.
Treatment in the early stages can be medical, i.e. conservative, to reduce inflammation and therefore pain, or surgical to eliminate compression of the nerves.
For treatment, it is crucial that the exact location of the nerve block is located.
Stay alert for possible symptoms and seek veterinary advice immediately if Cauda Equina Syndrome is suspected.
This article only contains general information on the respective topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the vet. Unfortunately, our editorial team cannot answer individual questions about illnesses in your animal.
The editor wrote this article and then used an AI language model for optimization at her own discretion. All information has been carefully checked. Find out more about our AI principles here.