Spontaneous resorption of L2/L3 intervertebral disc extrusion in a 4‐year‐old French bulldog

Abstract A 4‐year‐old, neutered, male French bulldog presented due to a 5‐day history of progressive spinal hyperaesthesia and hindlimb ataxia. Neurological examination showed ambulatory paraparesis and spinal hyperaesthesia. Magnetic resonance imaging identified severe right‐sided extradural spinal cord compression from L2 to L6 due to degenerated intervertebral disc extrusion with concomitant extradural haemorrhage. Given a previous extensive left‐sided hemilaminectomy from L2 to L5, conservative treatment was pursued, resulting in full recovery at 4 weeks. At 8 weeks, the dog developed acute paraplegia, with deep pain perception negative. Repeat magnetic resonance imaging revealed a new T13–L1 intervertebral disc extrusion and complete resorption of the previous L2–L3 extruded intervertebral disc material. To our knowledge, this is the first confirmed case of complete resorption of severe thoracolumbar extruded intervertebral disc material with haemorrhage in a French bulldog, documented via magnetic resonance imaging. This case highlights the potential for spontaneous resorption and supports conservative treatment in ambulatory dogs with intervertebral disc extrusions.