Intervertebral T3-T4 Disc Extrusions in Two German Shepherd Dogs

Abstract

Although intervertebral disc extrusions are extremely frequent in dogs, those affecting the cranial thoracic spine in large breed dogs have not been reported. In this case report, the clinical, radiological, surgical, and histopathological findings in two German shepherd dogs with T3-T4 disc extrusions are reported. Clinical and imaging findings (acute onset and radiological evidence of lateralized disc material dispersed beyond the margins of the intervertebral disc space) allowed proper diagnosis of disc extrusion. Decompressive surgery via hemilaminectomy was performed in both patients with favorable outcomes. Intervertebral disc extrusions should be considered as a differential diagnosis of large-breed dogs with acute onset, upper-thoracic spinal cord disease. Imaging findings can aid in differentiating thoracic intervertebral disc extrusions from protrusions, thus leading to appropriate treatment.