Intervertebral Disc Disease in Dogs and Cats
A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Veterinary Clinical Studies".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 May 2026 | Viewed by 19
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is one of the most frequently diagnosed spinal disorders in small animal neurology, particularly in chondrodystrophic dog breeds and, less commonly, aging cats. This condition involves degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs, which can lead to disc herniation, spinal cord compression, and significant neurological deficits. Although diagnostic and therapeutic modalities have advanced considerably, many questions remain regarding the pathogenesis, progression, optimal treatment strategies, and long-term outcomes of IVDD.
The aim of this Special Issue is to bring together high-quality research and clinical studies that deepen the current understanding of IVDD in dogs and cats. In line with the mission of Animals to promote impactful, peer-reviewed veterinary research, this Issue welcomes submissions that explore the pathophysiology of disc degeneration, diagnostic approaches including advanced imaging techniques, outcomes of surgical and conservative treatments, biomarker development, pain management strategies, and post-treatment rehabilitation. We encourage the submission of original research articles, systematic reviews, case series, and retrospective or prospective clinical studies.
We look forward to your contributions.
Prof. Dr. Luciano Espino
Guest Editor
Ivan Gómez Álvarez
Guest Editor Assistant
AniCura ImaVet Referencia Veterinaria, 15707 A Coruña, Spain
Email: ivan.gomez.alvarez@rai.usc.es
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Keywords
- intervertebral disc disease
- spinal cord injury
- disc degeneration
- diagnostic imaging
- neurosurgery
- neurorehabilitation
- conservative therapy
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