Molecular, Cellular and Pathological Changes in Intervertebral Disc Disease in Dogs

Document Type : Review article

Authors
Melina Nouri Mashhadi Jafarloo 1
Hossein Aminianfar 2
1 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
2 Department of pathology, faculty of veterinary medicine, university of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
10.61882/eltiamj.12.1.2
Abstract
Background: Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is one of the most common neurological disorders in dogs, particularly in small and chondrodystrophic breeds, characterized by degenerative or acute changes in the intervertebral disc. Considering its high clinical and economic importance, a deeper understanding of the molecular, cellular, and pathological mechanisms has received increasing attention in recent decades. This study is a narrative review.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive review of the latest scientific findings on the underlying mechanisms of IVDD in dogs, with emphasis on the role of molecular, cellular, and histopathological changes in the onset and progression of the disease, based on internationally published articles.
Methods: This review was conducted by searching and analyzing published articles indexed in international databases between 1998 and 2025. Inclusion criteria were recency, direct relevance to IVDD pathophysiology, and publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Results: The reviewed studies revealed that imbalance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs), upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and reduced expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-10 (IL-10) are major factors contributing to extracellular matrix degradation. At the cellular level, apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells, phenotypic transformation toward chondrocyte-like cells, and infiltration of immune cells play critical roles. Histopathological features include fibrosis and calcification of the disc, annulus fibrosus rupture, disc extrusion, and spinal cord compression, which lead to clinical signs ranging from pain to paralysis. Microscopic lesions commonly consist of necrosis, chronic inflammation, inflammatory cell infiltration, and destruction of the normal disc structure.
Conclusions: Understanding the molecular, cellular, and pathological changes underlying IVDD provides valuable insights into the disease pathophysiology and may facilitate the development of improved therapeutic and preventive strategies in dogs. Enhancing veterinarians’ and researchers’ knowledge in this field can contribute to better clinical outcomes and improved quality of life in affected animals

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  • Receive Date 01 September 2025
  • Revise Date 04 October 2025
  • Accept Date 07 October 2025
  • Publish Date 22 November 2025