Next, a dye or contrast agent is injected around the spinal cord to outline it. This usually shows where the spinal cord is damaged, and helps the surgeon to know exactly where the surgery should be performed. For both the myelogram and the spinal tap the animal needs to be very still, therefore anesthesia is necessary to perform these tests. CT or MRI are other techniques that can be used to see the ruptured disk. Topics Index General guidelines have been established for therapy depending upon severity of clinical signs.
Strict confinement is very important to allow for healing of a partially damaged disk.
If after 2 weeks signs are not improved, diagnosis and surgery should be considered. If the animal worsens during this time, surgery should be considered sooner. If improvement is noted, continuation of cage confinement is indicated for up to one to two weeks after the animal is clinically normal. The surgery is performed to remove extruded disk material from around the spinal cord, relieving the compression and giving the spinal cord the best chance at healing. This information was made possible by funds from the Neurology Endowment at Washington State University.