Disc degeneration has been reported in 84 breeds, with particular susceptibility in certain small breeds. Intervertebral discs act as cushions between the vertebrae and function as the shock absorbers of the spine. A degenerative disc loses its resiliency when its jelly-like center calcifies and develops a gritty, hardened consistency.
Most patients experience neck pain as the first and most consistent clinical sign.
The neck often appears swollen or thickened when muscle spasms become intense. Spontaneous whining with cervical guarding, evident by periodic elevations of the ears and muscle spasms, are often seen. However, when discs rupture in the center of the spinal canal, both front and rear limbs become weak. Early or mild cases are often treated medically. The treatment of choice to reverse the symptoms and return the patient to a normal pain free life is surgical removal of the ruptured portion of the disc from its compressive position under the spinal cord.