scholarly journals Congenital block vertebrae and intervertebral disc protrusion in a young cat

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 205511691986803
Author(s):  
Yvette C Crowe ◽  
Georgina Child ◽  
Richard Lam ◽  
Ross McGregor
Keyword(s):  
Intervertebral Disc ◽  
Incidental Finding ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Adjacent Segment ◽  
Thoracic Vertebrae ◽  
Disc Disease ◽  
Disc Protrusion ◽  
Distended Bladder ◽  
Clinically Significant

Case summaryA 6-month-old domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for proprioceptive ataxia of the pelvic limbs. Over 2 months, the cat became poorly ambulatory, paraparetic with proprioceptive ataxia and developed a firm, distended bladder with intermittent overflow urinary incontinence. Block vertebrae (T1–3, T4–5 and T10–11) and lordosis were identified on radiographs of the vertebral column. MRI revealed T3/4 intervertebral disc protrusion with severe extradural compression, secondary syringohydromyelia caudal to the protrusion and generalised intervertebral disc disease throughout the cervical and thoracic vertebrae. Dorsal laminectomy at T3/4 resulted in resolution of paraparesis and marked improvement in coordination and strength. Block vertebrae are usually considered an incidental finding. In this patient, angular deformation (lordosis) and adjacent segment disease probably contributed to clinically significant intervertebral disc degeneration and protrusion.Relevance and novel informationThere are few case reports in the literature of multiple congenital vertebral malformations causing neurological deficits in cats. This is the first reported case of successful surgical management of intervertebral disc protrusion, possibly secondary to block vertebrae and lordosis in a cat.

scholarly journals Prevalence and breed predisposition for thoracolumbar intervertebral disc disease in cats

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 419-423 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven De Decker ◽  
Anne-Sophie Warner ◽  
Holger A Volk
Keyword(s):  
Intervertebral Disc ◽  
General Hospital ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Intervertebral Disc Disease ◽  
Disc Disease ◽  
Disc Protrusion ◽  
Uncommon Condition ◽  
Hospital Population ◽  
Disc Extrusion

Objectives The objective was to evaluate the prevalence and possible breed predilections for thoracolumbar intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in cats. Methods Medical records and imaging studies of cats diagnosed with thoracolumbar IVDD between January 2008 and August 2014 were retrospectively reviewed and compared with the general hospital population. The association between type of IVDD (ie, intervertebral disc extrusion [IVDE] or intervertebral disc protrusion [IVDP]) and breed, age, sex, and duration and severity of clinical signs was also evaluated. Results Of 12,900 cats presented during the study period, 31 (0.24%) were diagnosed with IVDD, including 17 purebred and 14 non-purebred cats. Of all presented purebred cats, 0.52% were diagnosed with thoracolumbar IVDD. More specifically, 1.29% of all British Shorthairs and 1.83% of all presented Persians were diagnosed with IVDD. Compared with the general hospital population, purebred cats ( P = 0.0001), British Shorthairs ( P <0.0001) and Persians ( P = 0.0006) were significantly overrepresented with thoracolumbar IVDD. Affected purebred cats were younger than affected non-purebred cats ( P = 0.02). Of 31 cats with IVDD, 19 were diagnosed with IVDE and 12 with IVDP. Cats with IVDE had a significantly shorter duration of clinical signs ( P = 0.0002) and demonstrated more severe neurological deficits ( P = 0.04) than cats with IVDP. Conclusions and relevance Although thoracolumbar IVDD is an uncommon condition in cats, purebred cats, British Shorthairs and Persians, were overrepresented. It is currently unclear if this represents a true breed predisposition or a higher likelihood of owners of purebred cats seeking referral for advanced diagnostic imaging procedures.

scholarly journals Diagnostic Imaging in Intervertebral Disc Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronaldo C. da Costa ◽  
Steven De Decker ◽  
Melissa J. Lewis ◽  
Holger Volk ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Intervertebral Disc ◽  
Nucleus Pulposus ◽  
Imaging Modality ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Intervertebral Disc Herniation ◽  
Intervertebral Disc Disease ◽  
Disc Disease ◽  
Disc Protrusion ◽  
Disc Extrusion

Imaging is integral in the diagnosis of canine intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and in differentiating subtypes of intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH). These include intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE), intervertebral disc protrusion (IVDP) and more recently recognized forms such as acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion (ANNPE), hydrated nucleus pulposus extrusion (HNPE), and intradural/intramedullary intervertebral disc extrusion (IIVDE). Many imaging techniques have been described in dogs with roles for survey radiographs, myelography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Given how common IVDH is in dogs, a thorough understanding of the indications and limitations for each imaging modality to aid in diagnosis, treatment planning and prognosis is essential to successful case management. While radiographs can provide useful information, especially for identifying intervertebral disc degeneration or calcification, there are notable limitations. Myelography addresses some of the constraints of survey radiographs but has largely been supplanted by cross-sectional imaging. Computed tomography with or without myelography and MRI is currently utilized most widely and have become the focus of most contemporary studies on this subject. Novel advanced imaging applications are being explored in dogs but are not yet routinely performed in clinical patients. The following review will provide a comprehensive overview on common imaging modalities reported to aid in the diagnosis of IVDH including IVDE, IVDP, ANNPE, HNPE, and IIVDE. The review focuses primarily on canine IVDH due to its frequency and vast literature as opposed to feline IVDH.

Acupuncture treatment for feline multifocal intervertebral disc disease

2009 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 706-710 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keum Hwa Choi ◽  
Sara A. Hill
Keyword(s):  
Intervertebral Disc ◽  
Acupuncture Treatment ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Intervertebral Disc Disease ◽  
Heat Accumulation ◽  
Disc Disease ◽  
Disc Protrusion ◽  
First Case

A 14-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat was admitted to the Veterinary Medical Center, University of Minnesota for evaluation of severe hind limb ataxia, atrophy and paresis. Diagnosis based on physical examination, neurological assessment and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was multifocal intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) with dorsal disc protrusion throughout the thoracic and cranial lumbar spine. The Oriental Medicine (OM) diagnosis (pattern identification) was painful obstruction (Bi) syndrome caused by phlegm-heat accumulation with blood stagnation in the spine. High dose prednisolone therapy (1.25 mg/kg PO, once daily) initially did not show any significant improvement in clinical signs. The cat was then treated with several modes of acupuncture treatment including dry needle acupuncture, electro-acupuncture and scalp acupuncture along with Tui-Na (hand manipulation in OM) and physical therapy. Significant improvements in mobility, proprioception and spinal posture were noticed and the cat was able to rise, walk and run 4 months after starting acupuncture treatments. This is the first case report of feline IVDD with multiple sites of disc compression which was successfully treated with several modes of acupuncture treatment.

Feline intervertebral disc disease: a review of the literature

2002 ◽  
Vol 15 (03) ◽  
pp. 137-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. M. Rayward
Keyword(s):  
Intervertebral Disc ◽  
Surgical Intervention ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Neurological Dysfunction ◽  
Type I ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Intervertebral Disc Disease ◽  
Disc Disease ◽  
Clinically Significant

SummaryIntervertebral disc disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of feline myelopathy. Animals of any age, breed or gender may be affected and onset of neurological dysfunction may be variable. The thoracolumbar junction and to a lesser extent the mid lumbar spine are the most commonly affected sites and Hansen type I disc extrusions predominate. Standard investigations (radiography, myelography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging) and surgical techniques (laminectomy, hemilaminectomy, fenestration, durotomy) may be employed. Although response to conservative treatment is variable, surgically treated cases generally respond favourably but neurological recovery may be incomplete. Following surgical intervention, a recurrence of clinically significant IVDD has not been reported.

scholarly journals Clinical reasoning in canine cervical hyperaesthesia: which presenting features are important?

2020 ◽  
Vol 187 (11) ◽  
pp. 448-448
Author(s):  
Nicholas John Grapes ◽  
Rowena Mary Anne Packer ◽  
Steven De Decker
Keyword(s):  
Intervertebral Disc ◽  
Clinical Features ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Disc Protrusion ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Veterinary Surgeons ◽  
Neurologically Normal ◽  
Gait Abnormalities

BackgroundTo evaluate whether clinical features from the history, presentation, physical and neurological examination of dogs with cervical hyperaesthesia are statistically predictive of the underlying diagnosis.MethodsTwo hundred and ninety-eight dogs presenting with cervical hyperaesthesia between January 2010 and October 2018 were investigated. Only neurologically normal dogs with cervical hyperaesthesia on examination were included, while those with concurrent neurological deficits including gait abnormalities and proprioceptive deficits were excluded. Univariate analysis of clinical variables was performed, and those associated with each diagnosis were retained for multivariable binary logistic regression models.ResultsNinety-five per cent of cervical hyperaesthesia presentations were represented by eight conditions that included steroid-responsive meningitis arteritis (SRMA; n=100), intervertebral disc extrusion (n=78), syringomyelia (SM; n=51), intervertebral disc protrusion (n=30), neoplasia (n=8), cervical spondylomyelopathy (n=7), immune-mediated polyarthritis (n=5) and meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown aetiology (n=5). Younger age (P=0.003), pyrexia (P=0.003) and haematology abnormalities (P=0.03) comprising leucocytosis, neutrophilia or monocytosis were associated with a diagnosis of SRMA.ConclusionsEasy-to-recognise clinical features can be used to identify the most likely differential diagnosis in neurologically normal dogs with cervical hyperaesthesia, which may aid the decision making of veterinary surgeons evaluating dogs with this presentation.

scholarly journals Comparison between Hemilaminectomy with either Anulectomy or Partial Discectomy for Treatment of Thoracolumbar Intervertebral Disc Protrusion in Dogs

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (03) ◽  
pp. 194-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven De Decker ◽  
Abbe Crawford
Keyword(s):  
Intervertebral Disc ◽  
Clinical Improvement ◽  
Perioperative Complications ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
Neurological Deterioration ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Imaging Findings ◽  
Disc Protrusion ◽  
Significant Difference

Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcome of dogs undergoing a hemilaminectomy with anulectomy (HA) or a hemilaminectomy with partial discectomy (HPD) for treatment of thoracolumbar intervertebral disc protrusion. Methods Medical records from 2006 to 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Dogs were included if they had clinical signs and imaging findings consistent with thoracolumbar intervertebral disc protrusion and had undergone surgical treatment with a HA or HPD. Outcome data were obtained via veterinary records and owner questionnaires. Recorded variables included age, sex, body weight, neurological deficits, surgical time, perioperative complications, postoperative neurological deterioration and recurrence of clinical signs. Results The two treatment groups showed no significant difference in signalment, clinical presentation and imaging findings. However, significant differences were detected in outcome. Early postoperative neurological deterioration was recorded in 16/29 dogs in the HA group and 7/24 dogs in the HPD group (p = 0.037). Sustained clinical improvement for a minimum of 18 months postoperatively was reported in 9/22 dogs in the HA group compared with 17/23 dogs in the HPD group (p = 0.019). Clinical Significance Hemilaminectomy with partial discectomy for decompression of thoracolumbar intervertebral disc protrusion was associated with decreased postoperative neurological deterioration and increased sustained clinical improvement compared with hemilaminectomy with anulectomy.

Case Example: Adjacent Segment Disease: What Is It, and How Is It Rated?

2011 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 8-9
Author(s):  
Marjorie Eskay-Auerbach
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Lumbar Fusion ◽  
Adjacent Segment Degeneration ◽  
Adjacent Segment Disease ◽  
Adjacent Segment ◽  
Disc Space Narrowing ◽  
Disc Disease ◽  
Disc Space ◽  
Radiographic Findings ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients

Abstract The incidence of cervical and lumbar fusion surgery has increased in the past twenty years, and during follow-up some of these patients develop changes at the adjacent segment. Recognizing that adjacent segment degeneration and disease may occur in the future does not alter the rating for a cervical or lumbar fusion at the time the patient's condition is determined to be at maximum medical improvement (MMI). The term adjacent segment degeneration refers to the presence of radiographic findings of degenerative disc disease, including disc space narrowing, instability, and so on at the motion segment above or below a cervical or lumbar fusion. Adjacent segment disease refers to the development of new clinical symptoms that correspond to these changes on imaging. The biomechanics of adjacent segment degeneration have been studied, and, although the exact mechanism is uncertain, genetics may play a role. Findings associated with adjacent segment degeneration include degeneration of the facet joints with hypertrophy and thickening of the ligamentum flavum, disc space collapse, and translation—but the clinical significance of these radiographic degenerative changes remains unclear, particularly in light of the known presence of abnormal findings in asymptomatic patients. Evaluators should not rate an individual in anticipation of the development of changes at the level above a fusion, although such a development is a recognized possibility.

Outcome of thoracolumbar surgical feline intervertebral disc disease

2021 ◽  
pp. 1098612X2110280
Author(s):  
Kayla M Fowler ◽  
Theresa E Pancotto ◽  
Stephen R Werre ◽  
Michaela J Beasley ◽  
William Kay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcome ◽  
Intervertebral Disc ◽  
Positive Outcome ◽  
Intervertebral Disc Herniation ◽  
Intervertebral Disc Disease ◽  
Disc Disease ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
Imaging Results ◽  
Larger Sample

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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