Dogs That Suddenly Yelp: Study Links Spontaneous Vocalisation to Cervical Disc Disease

Spontaneous Vocalisation as a Presenting Clinical Sign in Dogs: An Association With Cervical Localisation and Intervertebral Disc Disease

Alex Spencer-Taylor, Sam Khan, Paul Freeman, Georgina Harris

Background

Spontaneous vocalisation—described as sudden, unexplained yelping or crying—is a common presenting complaint in dogs and can occur even in the absence of obvious clinical abnormalities. Determining the underlying cause can be challenging for clinicians and may complicate prioritization of diagnostic tests. While spontaneous vocalisation has been associated with neurological diseases such as syringomyelia and Chiari-like malformation, and anecdotally with cervical disc disease, the most common underlying diagnoses have not been well characterized in clinical populations. This study aimed to describe the signalment, neuroanatomical localisation, and final diagnoses of dogs presenting with spontaneous vocalisation.

Methods

This retrospective study reviewed medical records from a single referral institution between 2016 and 2022. Dogs were included if spontaneous vocalisation was documented as part of their presenting clinical signs. Cases with only a single episode of vocalisation or without a definitive diagnosis were excluded. Data collected included signalment, neurological examination findings, neuroanatomical localisation, diagnostic investigations, and final diagnosis. Imaging modalities included MRI, radiography, CT, and ultrasound, with MRI being the most commonly performed advanced imaging technique.

Results

A total of 115 dogs met inclusion criteria. The most common breeds were crossbreeds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and French Bulldogs. Most dogs were referred to the neurology service. Cervical localisation was the most frequent neuroanatomical finding, accounting for more than half of cases. Intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE) was the most common diagnosis (35.7%), followed by neoplasia, intervertebral disc protrusion, steroid-responsive meningitis arteritis, and inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system. Many dogs exhibited cervical pain or hyperaesthesia on examination. Among neurologically normal dogs, steroid-responsive meningitis arteritis, Chiari-like malformation/syringomyelia, and IVDE were common diagnoses. Notably, all French Bulldogs in the study were diagnosed with intervertebral disc disease.

Limitations

This study was retrospective and conducted at a single referral institution, which may introduce selection bias. Case identification relied on the documentation of spontaneous vocalisation in medical records, meaning some cases may have been missed if this detail was not recorded. Additionally, population-level breed prevalence was not assessed, preventing evaluation of breed predispositions.

Conclusions

Spontaneous vocalisation in dogs most frequently localises to the cervical spine and is commonly associated with intervertebral disc extrusion. Neurological disease should therefore be strongly considered in dogs presenting with unexplained yelping or vocalisation, even when neurological examination findings are minimal or absent. Recognition of this association may help guide clinical decision-making and prioritization of diagnostic investigations.

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