Page 18 - Summer 2026 Newsletter

WEBINAR: Tethered Cord Syndrome

Join Lisa for another expert insight into some of the issues affecting
lurchers.
Log on using the link here once the date is announced on Facebook.

https://caninethinking.com/webinar-tethered-cord-syndrome-

Is your lurcher demonstrating any of these symptoms?

• Pain & Sensitivity: Lower back pain, sensitivity when the tail is lifted, or
discomfort when touched.
• Abnormal Posture/Gait: A stiff, short-strided hind-limb gait, intermittent
lameness, bunny-hopping, or a “skipping” stride.
• Paresthesia (Tingling/Strange Sensations): Suddenly biting or chewing at
the hind legs, tail, or flank, and sitting down abruptly on walks.
• Behavioral Changes: Anxiety, restlessness, reluctance to exercise,
or appearing easily irritated due to chronic, low-grade nerve pain.
• Incontinence:
Difficulty or pain during urination/defecation, or loss of bladder/bowel
control.

Tethered cord syndrome (TCS) in lurchers is a rare neurological condition
where the spinal cord is abnormally anchored, preventing it from moving
freely within the spinal canal. This creates abnormal tension when the dog
moves, causing chronic lower back pain, subtle lameness, and sometimes
incontinence.

Because lurchers are athletic, high-energy sighthound crosses, TCS can
severely impact their active lifestyle. The continuous pulling on the lower
spinal cord (conus medullaris) and nerve roots during running, jumping, or
even stretching can be quite painful.