Non-surgical treatment of the cervical intervertebral disc disease in a dog with Chiari-like malformation

Abstract

Intervertebral disc disease is a medical condition in which the disc, a fibrocartilage substance, escapes in the spinal cavity and compresses the spinal cord and it often co-occurs with Chiari-like malformation. A 7-year-old Pomeranian dog was referred for a forelimb ataxia. Disc protrusion at C2 to C3, crowding of the caudal fossa and mild cerebellar herniation into the foramen magnum were confirmed through Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The patient was hospitalized for two weeks and received electroacupuncture along with other rehabilitation therapies. After 2 weeks of inpatient treatment, there was an improvement in the patient's clinical symptoms.