It is Latin for “horse’s tail”, which is what the bundle of nerves at the end of the spine looks like. These nerves supply the hind legs, tail, bladder and bowel.
Cauda Equina Syndrome in Dogs
A narrowing of the nerve roots where the lumbar spine meets the sacrum.
At a glance
- What is it?
- Narrowing around the nerve roots where the lumbar spine meets the sacrum.
- Typical signs
- Pain in the lower back, weak hindquarters, a drooping tail, difficulty getting up.
- Commonly affected
- Mainly medium to large breeds, often older dogs.
- Causes
- Wear of the vertebral joints and discs, a slipped disc, spondylosis, predisposition.
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When should you see a vet?
The symptoms often start subtly but should be checked early. Go to the vet straight away if:
- your dog suddenly can’t hold or can’t pass urine or faeces,
- the hind legs give way or the paws clearly drag,
- they show severe pain when getting up or when their back is touched.
In cauda equina syndrome, nerve roots are compressed where the lumbar spine meets the sacrum. Typical signs are pain in the lower back, weak hind legs and difficulty getting up. The symptoms often start inconspicuously and should be checked by a vet early.
What is cauda equina syndrome?
At the end of the spine, a bundle of nerve fibers fans out that looks like a horse’s tail, in Latin “cauda equina”. These nerves supply the hind legs, tail, bladder and bowel. When they are compressed, this is called cauda equina syndrome, in technical terms also degenerative lumbosacral stenosis.
How do you recognize it?
- pain in the lower back, especially when getting up, sitting down or jumping
- stiff or wobbly gait in the hind legs
- drooping tail or pain when the tail is lifted
- muscle loss in the hind legs
- in advanced cases, problems passing urine or stool
What are the causes and risk factors?
- Wear: Vertebral joints and discs change with age and can narrow the space for the nerves.
- Herniated disc in the lumbar region.
- Spondylosis: bony outgrowths can contribute to the narrowing.
- Genetics: Medium to large breeds such as the German Shepherd are affected more often.
- Strain: Excess weight and frequent jumping put stress on the transition to the sacrum.
How does the vet diagnose the syndrome?
The vet checks reflexes, pain responses and gait. MRI or CT show where and how severely the nerves are compressed. X-rays help rule out other conditions such as hip dysplasia.
How is it treated?
With milder symptoms, pain management, restricted exercise and physiotherapy are the focus. With severe pain or deficits, surgery can take the pressure off the nerves. Your vet decides what is right for your dog.
What you can do in everyday life
- Several short walks instead of long outings
- few stairs and no jumping, a ramp is better
- non-slip floors and an orthopedic place to lie
- keep an eye on weight after talking to the vet
Frequently asked questions about Cauda Equina
What does “cauda equina” mean?
How is the syndrome detected?
The vet checks reflexes, pain responses and gait and uses imaging such as X-rays, CT or MRI. This makes it possible to distinguish it from a slipped disc, spondylosis or hip dysplasia.
Can my dog still lead an active life with it?
If the syndrome is detected early and treated consistently, this is often possible. Only your vet can assess the outlook for your dog.
What helps day to day?
Several short walks, few stairs and jumps, non-slip surfaces and an orthopaedic bed take strain off the back and nerves. Keep an eye on your dog’s weight after talking to your vet.
Veterinary expertise at the heart of our team
Dr. med. vet. Sibylle Ott has been part of our team at DOG FIT by PreThis® from the very beginning. As an experienced vet, she supports our work professionally and contributes her knowledge of dog health. Her experience and her deep understanding of dogs’ needs are an important guide for us. She is a valuable treasure for our team and for the well-being of many dogs.
This content is for information only and does not replace advice from a vet. Our products are complementary feed for dogs. They do not replace a veterinary examination or treatment. If your dog has any health problems, please contact your vet.
