What is Cauda Equina Syndrome (Lumbosacral Stenosis)?
Cauda Equina Syndrome is a term used to describe arthritis of the joint between the last lumbar vertebra and the sacrum. (The sacrum is one of the pelvic bones.) In a dog affected by Cauda Equina Syndrome, the canal through which the spinal cord and nerves pass will be narrower than normal, and it is also common for the intervertebral disc to be abnormal too, which makes the canal even narrower. The nerves from the spinal cord will be subjected to intense pressure, which leads to nerve damage in the dog. Cauda Equina Syndrome is known under a wide range of name, including lumbosacral stenosis, lumbar spinal stenosis, lumbosacral nerve root compression, lumbosacral instability, lumbosacral malarticulation, lumbosacral spondylolisthesis, and lumbosacral malformation. Large dog breeds, including German Shepherd dogs, are more prone to Cauda Equina Syndrome compared to small and medium sized dogs. Cauda Equina Syndrome can be both congenital (present at birth) or acquired. In both situatio
