Yorkies are a popular, and common dog breed in the USA and I (we?) see them quite a bit in neurology referral practice. That said, I had never read that they were officially considered a chondrodystrophic breed. Apparently, they are!
Intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH) occurs with high frequency in chondrodystrophic dogs, but how often do we see it in Yorkies? According to a recent article, about 10% of Yorkshire Terriers with neurologic disease are diagnosed with IVDH and undergo surgical intervention.
How do Yorkies present with IVDH?
Cervical hyperesthesia only 5/60 (8.3%)
Ambulatory tetraparesis with or without neck pain (grade 2): 26/60 (43.3%)
Non-ambulatory tetraparesis or plegia with or without neck pain: 29/60 (48.4%)
No association with recovery and presence or absence of ambulation was found in this study. This is inline with other studies that have not found voluntary motor to be a prognostic indicator.
Acute signs in 80% of dogs
Chronic signs in the remaining 20%
Yorkies with IVDH instead of another neurologic disease were statistically heavier and older
How do Yorkies do with surgery?
Thankfully, quite well, according to this report. In this study, the majority (82%) had one IVDH, 15% had two and 3% had 3 IVDH site repaired. In my experience, Yorkies far exceed dachshunds for having multiple IVDH requiring surgery at the time of diagnosis. Could this be a difference in genetic pool (this study was conduced in Czechia, Slovakia and Hong Kong)? In this study, all dogs returned to ambulation at some point, post operative. Most were walking by hospital discharge, but not all. This is comparable to dachshunds.
Key Points
Yorkshire Terriers are chondrodystrophic and therefore predisposed to type I IVDH
Surgical intervention is likely to improve ambulation
Approximately 50% of Yorkies will be ambulatory, and 50% will not at the initial diagnosis.
Thanks for reading! I am leaving for ACVIM today (Tuesday June 13th) and will be out for the remainder of the week. I'm so excited to collaborate with colleagues and bring new knowledge back to the patients we share! If you need me, email is preferred but texting is also fine. I will have limited ability to answer the phone but will do my best to return your call in a timely manner. Please excuse any unusual delays! Have a great week!