MRI findings in intervertebral disc disease on thoracolumbar spine in dogs

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome and prognosis of thoracolumbar feline intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) treated by surgical decompression. Methods This was a multi-institutional retrospective study evaluating the age, breed, sex, body weight, presenting complaint, neuroanatomic diagnosis at presentation, diagnostic imaging results, surgery performed and the overall outcome at discharge and at recheck. Bivariable associations between variables were assessed using the Kruskal–Wallis test (age and grade of IVDD at presentation) and Fisher’s exact test (grade of IVDD at presentation and outcome). Results A total of 35 cats met the inclusion criteria for the study. The most frequently reported clinical sign was difficulty walking (54.2%). The majority of cats presented with an L4–S3 localization (57%). The most common site of intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH) was at L6–L7 (34%). The majority of feline patients that received surgery had a positive outcome at the time of discharge (62.5%; n = 20/32) and at the time of the 2-week recheck (91.3%; n = 21/23). No association was identified between the age of the patient and the grade of IVDD. No association was identified between the presenting grade of IVDD and the clinical outcome at the time of discharge or at the time of recheck evaluation. Conclusions and relevance Cats undergoing spinal decompressive surgery for thoracolumbar IVDH appear to have a favorable prognosis independent of the initial presenting grade of IVDD. A larger sample size and a longer length of follow-up is necessary to obtain statistical associations between the presenting grade of IVDD and overall clinical outcome.

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Treatment of protruded lumbar intervertebral discs with chymopapain (Discase)

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/jns.1973.39.2.0203 ◽

1973 ◽

Vol 39 (2) ◽

pp. 203-208 ◽

Cited By ~ 31

Author(s):

Dwight Parkinson ◽

Christopher Shields

Keyword(s):

Intervertebral Disc ◽

Drug Administration ◽

Food And Drug Administration ◽

Intervertebral Discs ◽

Intervertebral Disc Disease ◽

Disc Disease ◽

Chemical Action ◽

Content Type ◽

Fine Print

✓ Thirty-three intervertebral disc patients who otherwise would have been subjected to surgery were treated by injection with chymopapain. The pharmacology, toxicology, physiology, immunology, and chemical action of this enzyme, which specifically reacts with chondromucoproteins, are discussed. Results indicate that this method, although still experimental and unapproved by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration, may become a useful addition to the surgeon's armamentarium in the treatment of intervertebral disc disease.

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Residual herniated disc material following hemilaminectomy in chondrodystrophic dogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disc disease

Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology ◽

10.3415/vcot-11-05-0075 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 25 (02) ◽

pp. 109-115 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

M. Thomas ◽

J. M. Weh ◽

J. Bleedorn ◽

K. Wells ◽

W. J. Roach

Keyword(s):

Intervertebral Disc ◽

Herniated Disc ◽

Intervertebral Disc Disease ◽

Disc Disease ◽

Vertebral Canal ◽

Telephone Interviews ◽

Disc Material ◽

Long Term Follow Up

SummaryObjective: To evaluate the presence of residual disc material within the vertebral canal following hemilaminectomy in chondrodystrophic dogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disc disease.Methods: Forty dogs were treated by hemilaminectomy. Computed tomography was performed preoperatively and immediately postoperatively. The vertebral canal height, width, area, and herniated disc material area were measured. Maximum filling percentage (MFP), residual disc percentage (RDP), maximum residual filling percentage (MRFP), and residual filling percentage (RFP) were calculated. Clinical outcome was determined by telephone interviews.Results: Residual disc material was present in 100% of the dogs. Mean MFP = 55.4% (range 25.9–82.3%; median 56.9%). Mean RDP = 50.3% (range 2.6–155.8%; median 47.9%). Mean MRFP = 30.8% (range 4.9–60%; median 30.1%). Mean RFP = 19.8% (range 4.8–45%; median 19.0%). All dogs were ambulatory with voluntary urination at the long-term follow-up (range: 88–735 days).Clinical significance: Residual disc was present in all dogs following hemilaminectomy for intervertebral disc disease. Residual disc was not associated with failure to achieve functional recovery in these cases.

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