title: Clinical characterization of thoracolumbar and lumbar intervertebral disk extrusions in English Cocker Spaniels.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the anatomic distribution of thoracolumbar and lumbar intervertebral disk extrusions (IVDEs) in English Cocker Spaniels as compared with findings in Dachshunds and to characterize clinical findings in English Cocker Spaniels with thoracolumbar or lumbar IVDEs affecting various regions of the vertebral column.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective observational study.
  
  
  METHODS
  81 English Cocker Spaniels and 81 Dachshunds with IVDEs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Signalment, clinical signs, neurologic examination findings, and affected intervertebral disk spaces (IVDSs) were recorded for both breeds. Management methods and outcomes were recorded for English Cocker Spaniels. Lesions were categorized as thoracolumbar (IVDSs T9-10 through L1-2), midlumbar (L2-3 through L4-5), or caudal lumbar (L5-6 through L7-S1).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Midlumbar and caudal lumbar IVDEs were significantly more common in English Cocker Spaniels than in Dachshunds. English Cocker Spaniels with caudal lumbar IVDEs had a longer median duration of clinical signs before evaluation and more commonly had unilateral pelvic limb lameness or spinal hyperesthesia as the predominant clinical sign than did those with IVDEs at other sites. Those with caudal lumbar IVDEs less commonly had neurologic deficits and had a higher median neurologic grade (indicating lesser severity), shorter mean postoperative hospitalization time, and faster mean time to ambulation after surgery than those with other sites affected. These variables did not differ between English Cocker Spaniels with thoracolumbar and midlumbar IVDEs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Caudal and midlumbar IVDEs were more common in English Cocker Spaniels than in Dachshunds. English Cocker Spaniels with caudal lumbar IVDE had clinical signs and posttreatment responses that differed from those in dogs with midlumbar or thoracolumbar IVDE.
authors.forename: Thomas J A
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Cardy
authors.forename: Caitlin E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Tzounos
authors.forename: Holger A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Volk
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: De Decker
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001947:Breeding; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae; D016896:Treatment Outcome