Cauda Equina Syndrome in Dogs

Does your dog struggle to sit properly, no longer want to go out for walks like before, or show signs of pain when getting up? Don't ignore these signs — it could be cauda equina syndrome in dogs.

Take note of the main symptoms of this condition, the most common treatments, and tips to prevent or ease it.

What Is Cauda Equina in Dogs?

Cauda equina syndrome, or degenerative lumbosacral stenosis, is a degenerative disorder affecting the lumbar and sacral vertebrae, the ones located closest to the tail. Narrowing of the spinal canal between L7-S1 compresses the nerve roots of the distal spinal cord segment, causing pain and difficulty moving normally, which can eventually lead to a herniated disc.

This syndrome especially affects older dogs and is more common in medium and large breeds (especially German Shepherds, Boxers, and Rottweilers), although small dogs can have it too. This condition reduces affected dogs' mobility and quality of life.

Causes of Cauda Equina

One of the first symptoms that should put us on alert is when we see the dog having increasingly more trouble getting up from a resting position. In addition, a dog with cauda equina problems will show the following signs:

1. Apathy and exercise intolerance
2. One- or two-sided limping (in one or both legs) of the hind limbs, which can be intermittent.
3. Fecal and/or urinary incontinence.
4. Pain in the lumbosacral region, which could cause changes in temperament and aggression problems.
5. Weakness or paralysis in the tail and/or pelvic area, which can lead to muscle wasting.

The truth is there are many causes that can trigger this syndrome. Often it's due to congenital abnormalities present from birth, but it can also be an acquired condition following a fracture or dislocation. Dogs with hip dysplasia, for example, can develop this type of problem at the lower part of the spine.

The disease's clinical signs appear spaced out over time and often aren't noticed in time by the owner, so they become chronic over time and are noticed once they've reached an advanced stage. For example, in older dogs, it's common for this to be attributed to spondylosis, the formation of bone spurs on the vertebrae, or to the presence of tumors or infections.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Cauda Equina

To properly treat cauda equina in a dog, it's important for the vet to reach an accurate diagnosis that shows what's causing this syndrome and rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as dysplasia. In addition, they'll need to take the dog's age and symptom severity into account.

To diagnose cauda equina, an initial physical exam and a complete blood chemistry profile need to be done first, including urine and blood tests, followed later by imaging tests such as X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI, to find out exactly where the lesion is located.

Once cauda equina is diagnosed, treatment needs to be given to reduce inflammation through anti-inflammatories and painkillers to relieve pain. In the most severe cases, where medical treatment alone doesn't work, surgery can be considered to decompress the affected nerve roots.

Tips to Prevent or Ease It

To ease cauda equina syndrome in dogs, it's essential to always follow the vet's recommendations — you need to be strict with medication and check-ups.

In cases where the dog can't regain its mobility, using chondroprotectants can be very helpful for giving it the best possible quality of life. Physical therapy, rehabilitation, acupuncture, or the use of orthopedic equipment to help with mobility (such as carts or harnesses) also usually work very well, so you should look into it and find a good specialist in your area. This way, despite this problem, you'll be able to considerably improve your pet's quality of life.

On the other hand, avoid letting your pet play roughly, jump, or run. Make sure it gets a proper diet so it doesn't develop obesity — otherwise, its physical condition could worsen, which is something we want to prevent at all costs.

If there's one thing you should really keep in mind, it's that early detection will be key to controlling this degenerative problem. That's why you should pay attention to any symptom that shows up and not hesitate to take it to the vet if you notice any of these signs — this way, it will be easier to slow or ease the effects of this disease.

Sources consulted: Tarragó, A. Cauda equina, cola de caballo. Síndrome de compresión o instabilidad lumbo sacra. Clínica Veterinaria Sagrada Familia. Casals, E.E. La Ecografía por Ultrasonido Privado: aplicaciones más frecuentes. Claudicaciones más comunes en caninos. Asociación Española de Veterinarios Especialistas en Diagnóstico por Imagen (AEVEDI).