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Section: Overview
Fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy or FCE is a condition involving necrosis (cell death) of a region of the spinal cord secondary to infarction (obstruction) of the blood supply. The infarction is caused by fibrocartilage, which arises from part of the intervertebral disc (the shock absorbing material located between bones in the spinal column) and enters a spinal artery or vein.The cause of FCE is unknown. It is also unclear as to how the fibrocartilaginous material enters the bloodstream. Giant and large breed dogs are most commonly affected. It may also occur in smaller dogs, with an apparent predisposition in Shetland sheepdogs and miniature schnauzers. Most affected animals are 3-6 years of age and male dogs are slightly more prone to FCE than females.Although FCE has been reported in cats, the condition is very rare.
The spine contains many small bones called vertebrae. In between these bones are small “cushions” called intervertebral discs. Diskospondylitis is an infection of a one or more vertebral discs and their...
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a condition that occurs when pressure is placed on the spinal cord by disc material that herniates beneath or adjacent to the cord. Dogs may show signs of mild back...
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