Two Cases of Intervertebral Disc Herniation in Miniature Dachshunds with Worsening Neurological Signs Caused by Myelography

Abstract

We experienced two cases of miniature dachshunds with intervertebral disc herniation in which calcified disc materials occupied a large portion of the vertebral canal on computed tomography (CT) scans. Both cases underwent myelography, and after that neurological signs worsened. Surgical removal of the disc materials was difficult because of adhesion to the surrounding tissues which was discovered during hemilaminectomy. It was considered that the calcified disc materials caused the persistent compression of the spinal cord, and the injection of contrast medium in myelography caused neurological signs to worsen. Therefore, when performing myelography in dogs with calcified disc materials that occupy a large portion of the vertebral canal on a CT scan, we should consider the possibility of worsened neurological signs. Moreover, it is necessary to consider surgical procedures and their indications.