In small animals with IVDD, which sensation is lost last and regained first?

In small animals with IVDD, which sensation is lost last and regained first?

• A. Temperature
• B. Proprioception
• C. Deep pain
• D. Touch

Answer: (C)

In spinal cord compression from IVDD, different sensory fibers are affected in a predictable order because of how the pathways run and the fiber types involved. Deep pain fibers are the most resistant to transient disruption, so they’re typically the last to be lost as compression worsens. That same resistance means they’re often the first to return during recovery, serving as an important positive sign. In contrast, modalities like touch and proprioception tend to be lost earlier and may take longer to come back, which is why deep pain is the best indicator of potential recovery.

In spinal cord compression from IVDD, different sensory fibers are affected in a predictable order because of how the pathways run and the fiber types involved. Deep pain fibers are the most resistant to transient disruption, so they’re typically the last to be lost as compression worsens. That same resistance means they’re often the first to return during recovery, serving as an important positive sign. In contrast, modalities like touch and proprioception tend to be lost earlier and may take longer to come back, which is why deep pain is the best indicator of potential recovery.