Simple SummaryThe typical clinical manifestation of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in dogs is an acute disc extrusion leading to spinal cord injury. However, imaging investigations occasionally reveal spinal cord compression associated with multiple sites of IVDD in dogs with an acute presentation. In this scenario, one acute disc extrusion is likely accompanied by previously extruded or protruded discs. Currently, its most appropriate management remains unclear. Here we described the outcomes and investigated prognostic factors in 40 dogs with an acute clinical presentation but diagnosed with multiple sites of spinal cord compression from cervical disc extrusion or protrusion on MRI who underwent surgical decompression for the single acute disc. The overall recovery rate was 97.5%. The median recovery time was seven days. Compared to 23 dogs with single disc extrusion treated surgically, the recovery outcomes were similar between dogs with multiple-site IVDD and single disc extrusion. Moreover, the total number of IVDDs with concomitant spinal compression did not influence the recovery time or outcomes. If an acute disc site could be identified, the described management strategy could be a practical approach for dogs with an acute presentation but diagnosed with multiple sites of spinal cord compression from IVDD.AbstractIn dogs with acute myelopathy but showing multiple sites of spinal compression from intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) on imaging, one approach is surgical decompression of the single acute disc extrusion while ignoring other previously extruded or protruded discs. However, little is known regarding the outcomes of this approach. This study described the outcomes and investigated prognostic factors in 40 dogs with multiple sites of cervical disc extrusion or protrusion on MRI who underwent ventral slot decompression for the single acute disc. The overall recovery rate was 97.5%. The median recovery time was seven days. The number of affected discs (including disc extrusion and protrusion) and the presence and number of the affected discs causing severe spinal compression did not influence the 30-day outcome. Compared with 23 dogs with single disc extrusion treated surgically, the recovery time and outcomes were similar between the two groups. The total number of affected discs was not associated with recovery time or outcomes. In conclusion, if an acute disc could be identified, ventral slot decompression targeting the single acute disc is a viable management approach for dogs with an acute presentation but diagnosed with multiple sites of spinal cord compression from IVDD.