Canine thoracolumbar disc disease: pathogenesis, current classifications and therapeutic options

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a common disorder, and most frequently affects the spinal cord at thoracolumbar region. Multiple factors are involved in the pathogenesis of the disease, and it has different characteristics in chondrodystrophic and non-chondrodystrophic breeds. Biochemical and molecular changes observed in the degenerate disc are similar independent of the affected breed. Advanced image techniques demonstrate degenerative characteristics different than those reported by Hansen in the 1960s. Based on and in light of these new findings, new treatments for IVDD have been roosed to optimize the recovery of affected dogs. We reviewed the literature related to thoracolumbar intervertebral disc disease in dogs with emphasis on pathogenesis, classification and treatment options.