Glossary

Lumbosacral disease

The lumbar spine is highly mobile whereas the sacrum is immobile, hence the LS junction is a transition zone and subsequent stress is placed on the joint and the LS intervertebral disc. Disc degeneration may arise leading to disc protrusion or tearing. Compression or impingement of nerves as they travel dorsal to a disc or exit the spinal cord at the nerve root foramina occurs as a result of the bulging disc, soft tissue proliferation, collapse of the foraminal area (foraminal stenosis) or new bone formation. This compression leads to discomfort, the canine equivalent of sciatica and with progression further compromise to nerve function.