Spontaneous vocalisation as a presenting clinical sign in dogs: An association with cervical localisation and intervertebral disc disease

Abstract

Background: Spontaneous vocalisation is a common reason for dogs to be presented to veterinary practices. However, the cause can be unclear, making prioritisation of investigations challenging. Although vocalisation has been associated with syringomyelia, and anecdotally with cervical disc disease, the most common causes are not reported. Methods: The medical records of dogs presented at a single institution with spontaneous vocalisation between 2016 and 2022 were retrospectively analysed. Results: A total of 115 dogs were included. The most common breeds were crossbreeds (n = 23), Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (n = 10) and French Bulldogs (n = 9). Patients were most frequently referred to the neurology department (n = 93). Cervical myelopathy was most prevalent (n = 41), with a further 14 neurologically normal dogs with cervical hyperaesthesia. The most frequent diagnoses were intervertebral disc extrusion (n = 41), neoplasia (n = 9), intervertebral disc protrusion (n = 7), steroid-responsive meningitis arteritis (n = 7) and meningoencephalitis/myelitis of unknown origin (n = 6). Limitations: This was a retrospective analysis of patients within a single institution identified using terms within patient records, relying on comprehensive recording of information by the clinician at the time of presentation. Conclusions: In this cohort, spontaneous vocalisation most frequently localised to the cervical spine, with intervertebral disc extrusion as the most common diagnosis. This information may aid in clinical decision making, especially when advanced imaging is unavailable.