Spinal canal

Causes of a narrowing of the spinal canal

Sometimes a narrowing of the spinal canal can occur, leading to compression of the spinal cord. This can have various causes, such as

• Congenital malformations of the vertebrae or intervertebral discs
• Degenerative changes to the spine due to ageing or wear and tear
• Traumatic injuries to the spine due to accidents or falls
• Inflammatory diseases such as arthritis or spondylitis
• Tumors or cysts that press on the spinal canal

Symptoms of spinal canal stenosis

A narrowing of the spinal canal can lead to various symptoms, depending on which part of the spinal cord is affected. The most common symptoms are

• Pain in the neck, back or extremities
• Numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms or legs
• Problems with walking, standing or sitting
• Bladder or bowel dysfunction
• Paralysis or paraplegia in the worst case scenario

Diagnosis of spinal canal stenosis

If you notice one or more of these symptoms in your dog, you should take him to a vet as soon as possible. The vet will carry out a thorough clinical examination and, if necessary, order further tests to find the cause of the symptoms. These may include, for example, X-rays, computer tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These imaging procedures can show whether and where there is a narrowing of the spinal canal and how severely the spinal cord is compressed.

Treatment of spinal canal stenosis

The treatment of spinal stenosis depends on the severity of the condition and the general condition of the dog. In some cases, conservative therapy consisting of painkillers, anti-inflammatories and physiotherapy may be sufficient. These measures are intended to alleviate the symptoms and improve the mobility of the spine. In other cases, surgical treatment may be necessary to reduce the pressure on the spinal cord. Depending on the cause of the narrowing, part of the vertebrae, the intervertebral discs or the surrounding tissue is removed. However, the operation also involves risks and requires intensive aftercare.

Prevention of spinal canal stenosis

Spinal stenosis cannot always be prevented, as it often has genetic or age-related causes. However, there are some things you can do to reduce your dog's risk, such as

• Make sure your dog is at a healthy body weight to reduce stress on the spine.
• Provide your dog with sufficient exercise to strengthen his muscles and keep his joints supple.
• Avoid extreme exercise or jumping for your dog, which can lead to spinal injuries.
• Have your dog examined regularly by a vet to identify and treat potential problems at an early stage.