Most dogs with degenerative disc disease are middle-aged, from three to seven years old. Although this act is frequently blamed for the disc rupture, the injury actually occurred due to chronic disc degeneration. In many cases, the disc rupture occurs after a fall or a relatively small jump. Since the disc is thinnest near the spinal cord, the disc material that escapes through the tear usually goes upward, putting pressure on the spinal cord. Because the spinal cord is encased within its bony canal, it cannot move away from the pressure and it becomes "pinched." "Because the spinal cord is encased within its bony canal, it cannot move away from the pressure and it becomes 'pinched'."Ī disc rupture may or may not be related to injury. The central part of the disc is softer and has the consistency of thick toothpaste.ĭegenerative disc disease causes spontaneous degeneration of the outer part of the disc, resulting in sudden disc rupture or herniation. It is made of tough fibers that protect and contain the central part (pulpy nucleus). The outer covering (fibrous ring) is much like a thick shell. The disc is composed of two parts, and has a structure similar to a jelly donut. What does it mean for a disc to rupture, and how does it happen? This extreme protection of the spinal cord reflects its importance and fragility. The individual vertebrae and intervertebral discs allow the back to move up and down and sideways without allowing contact between the bones of the spinal column. These junctions are filled by rubber-like cushions called intervertebral discs. To protect it from damage, the spinal cord runs through a bony canal within the spine and is surrounded by protective bone everywhere except at the junctions of the vertebrae. Spinal cord injuries usually result in permanent, irreversible damage. If it is damaged, the nerve cells do not regenerate but are replaced with fibrous or scar tissue. The spinal cord is one of the most important and sensitive organ systems in the body.
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