Classification of Dogs with Thoracolumbar Disk Disease

Group 1. Hyperesthesia with no neurological deficits

Group 2. Ambulatory paraparesis (incomplete loss of voluntary motor function in the pelvic limbs).

Urinary/fecal continence and pain sensation are intact

Group 3. Non-ambulatory paraparesis. Urinary/fecal continence is generally lost and pain sensation is intact

Group 4. Paraplegia (complete loss of voluntary motor function in the pelvic limbs) Urinary fecal continence is generally lost and pain sensation is intact.

Group 5. Paraplegia with loss of urinary/fecal continence and pain sensation.

Reference:

Kirk’s Current Veterinary Therapy XI Book, page 1014

Reprinted with permission from Kornegay, J. N.: Intervertebral disk disease:

Treatment guideline. Texas Vet. Med. J. 48:29, 1986