What is Caudal Cervical Myelopathy?
It is a condition caused by the compression of the spinal cord.
"Caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy (CCSM) is a canine progressive disease characterized by degenerative changes that, through direct compression of the spinal cord and the surrounding vascular and nerve structures, can potentially lead to severe neurological damage and permanent disability [40]."
Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10451975/
Quick definition of Terms
Caudal
Towards the tail. (The terms Caudal, ventral dorsal etc are used in medical/ veterinary education and practice so as to be precise. It is to ensure there is no error as which region/area of the patient is being referred to)
Cervical
In vertebrates, cervical vertebrae are the vertebrae of the neck, immediately below the skull. All mammals have 7 cervical vertebrae (C1 to C7).
Source: https://shorturl.at/VfDlv
Myelopathy :
"Myelopathy" is a general term for any condition that causes dysfunction of the spinal cord, often leading to symptoms such as hind limb weakness and incoordination, with Canine Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) being a common example, according to the Southeast Veterinary Neurology and Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine'
What is the expected outcome of a dog with Caudal cervical myelopathy?
The degeneration can be rapid. However, therapy and medications can keep your dog comfortable.
Look out for these signs and behaviour changes in your dog.
- Changes in gait (the way your dog walks)
- Does your dog suddenly appear to be uncoordinated?
- Do you see muscle loss?
- Difficulty in getting up
- Do the hind limbs seem weaker?
These are some of the signs to look out for, if you notice these changes consult your vet.
Breeds predisposed include Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Bernese Mountain Dogs. The condition was previously thought to affect large breeds however, it is now recognised that smaller breeds like Pugs and Cavalier Kings Charles Spaniels are also prone to develop it.
What can you do to prevent this?
Be a responsible person (pet parents/ families) have an obligation to deal with responsible and licensed breeders. Go through the proper channels if you are buying a puppy. There are no "cheap" puppies- those are from back yard breeders - to whom a dog is not a life, but a commodity.
Dysplasia's and neurological diseases are some of the conditions which can be inherited by irresponsible breeding.
It is a difficult diagnose to receive for your dog, however, with supportive therapies and treatments it is possible to keep your dog comfortable. There are various medical aids and devices which provide support, consult your vet or physiotherapist to discuss which aids would help ease your dogs discomfort.
