IVDE, differences between Frenchy, Dachshund and English cocker

Comparison of Clinical Features of Intervertebral Disc Extrusions in English Cocker Spaniels, French Bulldogs, and Dachshunds

Jad Abouzeid, Nick Grapes, Sam Khan, Steven De Decker, Paul Freeman

Background
Intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE) is a common neurological disorder in dogs, particularly in chondrodystrophic breeds. While previous studies have examined IVDE in individual breeds, a direct comparison among English Cocker Spaniels, French Bulldogs, and Dachshunds has not been performed. This study aimed to compare the clinical characteristics and anatomical distribution of IVDE across these three breeds.

Methods
A multicenter retrospective study reviewed clinical records from two UK veterinary referral centers between 2015 and 2020. Dogs were included if they were diagnosed with IVDE via MRI. Data collected included breed, age at presentation, anatomical location of IVDE, and ambulatory status. The anatomical distribution of IVDE was classified into cervical, cervicothoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbosacral regions. Statistical analyses included breed-specific comparisons of IVDE location and severity.

Results
A total of 937 cases were analyzed: 465 Dachshunds, 327 French Bulldogs, and 145 English Cocker Spaniels. The median age at presentation varied significantly, with French Bulldogs presenting the youngest (46.1 months), Dachshunds older (70.4 months), and English Cocker Spaniels the oldest (91.5 months). Thoracolumbar IVDE was the most common location across all breeds; however, French Bulldogs had the highest proportion of cervical IVDE (30%), Dachshunds exhibited a predominance of thoracolumbar IVDE (92%), and English Cocker Spaniels had the highest proportion of lumbosacral IVDE (21%). French Bulldogs were more likely to present non-ambulatory with thoracolumbar IVDE (76.7%), while Dachshunds had the highest overall percentage of non-ambulatory cases (61.7%).

Limitations
The study's retrospective design may have introduced selection bias, and data were collected from only two referral centers, limiting generalizability. MRI was the sole imaging modality used for IVDE diagnosis, potentially excluding cases diagnosed via computed tomography. Additionally, breed popularity trends may have influenced the study population over time.

Conclusions
This study highlights significant breed-specific differences in the clinical presentation of IVDE. French Bulldogs are predisposed to cervical IVDE at a younger age, while Dachshunds are more likely to present with thoracolumbar IVDE, and English Cocker Spaniels exhibit a higher incidence of lumbosacral IVDE. These findings underscore the importance of breed-specific considerations in the diagnosis and management of IVDE in chondrodystrophic dogs.

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