Dog’s Pinched Nerve Could Require Surgery

Q: I have an 8-year-old Shih Tzu who had several episodes of a lower-back problem. A type of cortisone shot and/or heat application eased it, and she was her usual frisky self again.

About three months ago, she showed similar symptoms, but it was in her neck area. She did not respond to the same treatment, and I was advised to take her to an orthopedic veterinarian, who said she should have surgery, probably a vertebral area in her mid-neck because of a pinched nerve. I could not afford the expense of surgery, so I brought her home and, over several weeks, she gradually improved.

At this time she is almost as good as new. She is not quite as active as before but only occasionally seems to be in pain. She runs and barks, etc.

Should I conclude that she has recovered from an episode but that it will recur? If so, what would be your advice as to what to do? Is there any way I can keep it from happening again?

She is definitely a house dog and leads a quiet life, with no other dogs or cats in the house. I might be able to raise the money for surgery if I thought it would be successful.

What are her chances? The orthopedic veterinarian said he couldn’t promise anything.

Lois Copenhagen, Fullerton

A: Since your dog has suffered through an episode of intervertebral disc disease and has recovered without apparent permanent affects, don’t assume that her problem is over. Unfortunately, this type of disorder will often recur, often without any prior indication of a problem. Medications are generally very effective but do not eliminate the cause of the problem.

The disc material between each of the vertebra that make up the backbone normally acts as a cushion. Under pressure or through degeneration with age, the disc material can move up into the spinal cord or out against the nerve roots that come off the spinal cord and cause a great deal of pain and weakness.

Medication can reduce the swelling at the point of injury and reduce the pain. However, in severe cases, medication has no effect and cannot stop the damage to the cord that the disc material can cause.

In these cases, surgery is done to remove the disc material and/or open up the top of the vertebrae to allow the spinal cord room to expand if necessary. Because nerve tissue is so delicate and susceptible to injury, there is no guarantee of success or complete recovery with surgery, although most dogs improve significantly.

Prevention would include the use of a harness instead of a collar; not allowing her to jump on or off furniture; not playing “pull games” with her toys, and keeping her weight under control.

You should discuss her situation with the surgeon and decide at what point he thinks that surgery would be absolutely necessary in your dog’s case. Maintainance medication may be necessary to relieve spasms and keep her comfortable.

You should also be made aware of any early signs of weakness or pain that may signal deterioration in her condition. Many dogs do well without surgery if some precautions are taken, but those that do need surgery are often helped and improve dramatically. Each case is individual in its response to treatment.