Type I IVDD occurs most often in which population?

Type I IVDD occurs most often in which population?

• A. Large dogs
• B. Cats
• C. Small dogs
• D. Horses

Answer: (C)

Type I IVDD is most strongly linked to small, chondrodystrophic dogs because early calcification of the nucleus pulposus predisposes these breeds to acute disc extrusion into the spinal canal. This leads to sudden neurologic signs from rapid spinal cord compression, which is why small dogs—like dachshunds and other short-legged breeds—are the population most affected. Large-breed dogs can experience disc disease, and cats and horses can have spinal issues too, but they do not show the same high incidence of Type I IVDD as small dogs. The predisposition in small breeds explains why this population is the best answer.

Type I IVDD is most strongly linked to small, chondrodystrophic dogs because early calcification of the nucleus pulposus predisposes these breeds to acute disc extrusion into the spinal canal. This leads to sudden neurologic signs from rapid spinal cord compression, which is why small dogs—like dachshunds and other short-legged breeds—are the population most affected. Large-breed dogs can experience disc disease, and cats and horses can have spinal issues too, but they do not show the same high incidence of Type I IVDD as small dogs. The predisposition in small breeds explains why this population is the best answer.