- A dog's neck and spine are made up of bones called vertebrae, according to LSU's School of Veterinary Medicine. In between the vertebrae lie intervertebral discs, which act as soft cushions between the bones.
- Canine neck vertebrae problems can be caused by intervertebral disc disease. A dog's discs weaken and can bulge out of place, putting pressure on the spinal cord and causing pain.
- Atlantoaxial instability is a canine neck vertebrae problem in which a dog's neck is unstable because a joint is damaged. This can lead to neck pain and spinal cord damage, says the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
- Canine disc disease is more common as a dog ages and its intervertebral discs deteriorate. Atlantoaxial instability can be a result of birth abnormalities or by trauma to a dog's neck.
- Most cases of canine disc disease can be treated with medication to fight inflammation and reduce pain. Surgery to remove bulging disc material can also help. Atlantoaxial instability can be treated with a neck brace. If this does not work, then surgery to stabilize the joint with screws or plates is an option, says the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
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