Evaluation of the association between spondylosis deformans and clinical signs of intervertebral disk disease in dogs: 172 cases (1999–2000)

2006 ◽  
Vol 228 (1) ◽  
pp. 96-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gwendolyn J. Levine ◽  
Jonathan M. Levine ◽  
Michael A. Walker ◽  
Roy R. Pool ◽  
Geoffrey T. Fosgate
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Intervertebral Disk ◽  
Spondylosis Deformans

scholarly journals Posterior ataxia-paraparesis syndrome in the large-breed dog

2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 119
Author(s):  
Z. S. POLIZOPOULOU (Ζ. Σ. ΠΟΛΥΖΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ) ◽  
A. F. KOUTINAS (Α.Φ. ΚΟΥΤΙΝΑΣ) ◽  
C. K. KOUTINAS (X.Κ. ΚΟΥΤΙΝΑΣ)
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Hip Dysplasia ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Intervertebral Disk ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Therapeutic Modalities ◽  
Csf Analysis ◽  
Dural Ossification ◽  
Degenerative Myelopathy ◽  
Spondylosis Deformans

The most common conditions associated with the posterior ataxia-paraparesis syndrome in large breed dogs are degenerative myelopathy, type II intervertebral disk disease, spinal cord neoplasms (extradural, extramedullary, intradural, intramedullary), cervical vertebral malformation-malarticulation, lumbosacral spondylopathy, diskospondylitis and distemper myelitis. These progressive myelopathies, which are often seen in aging dogs, are characterized clinically by posterior ataxia and UMN and/or LMN paraparesis that may result in paraplegia late in the course of the disease. In a certain number of cases the clinical picture is further deteriorated by concomitant hip dysplasia associated with osteoarthritis. Spinal radiography of myelopathic dogs may reveal spondylosis deformans or dural ossification to which their clinical signs could be erroneously attributed. Lesions of the spinal cord are localized and their etiology is determined with the aid of radiography, myelography, CT or MRI, CSF analysis and electrodiagnostic examination (somatosensor evoked potentials, electromyogram). In general, the various therapeutic modalities (decompressive surgeries, medication, exercise, physical therapy, avoidance of the complications associated with prolonged recumbency) usually applied in these cases are also discussed.

Fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy in miniature schnauzers

2001 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 374-383 ◽  
Author(s):  
JC Hawthorne ◽  
LJ Wallace ◽  
WR Fenner ◽  
DJ Waters
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Intervertebral Disk ◽  
Clinicopathological Features ◽  
Age At Diagnosis ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Spinal Cord Infarction ◽  
Disk Herniation ◽  
Intervertebral Disk Herniation ◽  
Related Mortality

In large- and giant-breed dogs, fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy (FCEM) is a well-recognized syndrome of acute spinal cord infarction caused by embolization of fibrocartilage. The miniature schnauzer is reportedly the most frequently affected small breed, although clinical data from only six miniature schnauzers with FCEM is available in the literature. The purposes of this study were to determine the relative frequency of FCEM compared to other causes of myelopathy in miniature schnauzers, to characterize the clinicopathological features of FCEM in 38 miniature schnauzers, and to directly compare FCEM and intervertebral disk herniation in miniature schnauzers with respect to age at diagnosis; gender; neuroanatomical localization; and progression, asymmetry, and severity of neurological deficits. Fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy was the most common cause of myelopathy in miniature schnauzers. Age at diagnosis, asymmetry and severity of neurological deficits, and lack of progression of clinical signs after 24 hours assisted in distinguishing FCEM from intervertebral disk herniation. Fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy-related mortality in miniature schnauzers was significantly lower than mortality rates reported for affected large and giant breeds. Only 22% of miniature schnauzers were euthanized because of their disease, although the vast majority of survivors failed to achieve complete neurological recovery.

scholarly journals Successful Long-Term Use of Itraconazole for the Treatment ofAspergillusDiskospondylitis in a Dog

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emiko Van Wie ◽  
Annie V. Chen ◽  
Stephanie A. Thomovsky ◽  
Russell L. Tucker
Keyword(s):  
Thoracolumbar Spine ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Positive Culture ◽  
Spinal Pain ◽  
Intervertebral Disk ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
German Shepherd ◽  
German Shepherd Dog ◽  
History Of

A 5-year-old spayed female German shepherd dog was admitted with a history of generalized stiffness. Neurologic examination revealed mild paraparesis with multifocal spinal pain. Spinal radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging revealed diskospondylitis at L6-7 and multiple sites throughout the thoracolumbar spine. Biopsy of the intervertebral disk at L6-7 revealed a positive culture forAspergillusspecies, and the dog was placed on itraconazole indefinitely. Clinical signs were significantly improved after two weeks of itraconazole. The dog was reevaluated 8 years later for unrelated reasons. No spinal pain was detected. Spinal radiographs revealed a fused L6-7 disk space and collapsed and sclerotic disk spaces at multiple sites. Itraconazole was tolerated by the dog with normal yearly liver enzyme values. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of successful long-term use of itraconazole for the treatment ofAspergillusdiskospondylitis in a dog.

Accuracy of localization of cervical intervertebral disk extrusion or protrusion using survey radiography in dogs

2001 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 563-572 ◽  
Author(s):  
ME Somerville ◽  
SM Anderson ◽  
PJ Gill ◽  
BJ Kantrowitz ◽  
JL Stowater
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Intervertebral Disk ◽  
Correct Identification ◽  
Accuracy Rate ◽  
Major Site ◽  
Radiographic Findings ◽  
A Site ◽  
Evaluation Survey

Sixty-four dogs with histories and clinical signs consistent with cervical intervertebral disk disease were presented for evaluation. Survey spinal radiographs were obtained, followed by myelography. In 61% of the survey radiographs, evaluators identified sites of disk extrusion or protrusion based on radiographic findings. Of those radiographs where a site was identified, ability to accurately identify the correct site of disk extrusion ranged from 53% to 67%, with an average of 58%. Therefore, the overall accuracy rate for correct identification of the site(s) of disk extrusion for all survey radiographs was 35%. Twelve cases had more than one site of disk extrusion or protrusion evident myelographically. In cases where multiple sites of extrusion were confirmed myelographically, the ability to localize at least one of the sites on the corresponding survey radiographs ranged from 63% to 80%, with an average of 70%. The major site of disk extrusion or protrusion was incorrectly identified in 16% to 31% of the survey radiographs, with an average of 26%. The use of survey radiographs alone is an inaccurate means for localization of cervical intervertebral disk extrusion or protrusion.

Cervical spinal cord compression caused by cryptococcosis in a dog: successful treatment with surgery and fluconazole

1998 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 523-526 ◽  
Author(s):  
SC Kerwin ◽  
RJ McCarthy ◽  
JL VanSteenhouse ◽  
BP Partington ◽  
J Taboada
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Compression ◽  
Cervical Spinal Cord ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Acute Onset ◽  
Intervertebral Disk ◽  
Doberman Pinscher ◽  
Cryptococcal Infection ◽  
Organ Systems

A six-year-old, male Doberman pinscher was presented for acute onset of upper motor neuron tetraparesis. An extradural compressive lesion compatible with intervertebral disk rupture at the sixth to seventh cervical (C6-C7) disk space was evident on myelography. A large, gelatinous mass of pure cryptococcal organisms causing spinal cord compression was identified upon exploratory surgery. Removal of the mass caused relief of clinical signs. No evidence of involvement of other organ systems was found; however, serum and cerebrospinal fluid titers were positive for cryptococcal infection. The dog was treated with fluconazole (5.5 mg/kg body weight, per os sid) until serum titers for cryptococcal infection were negative at seven months postsurgery. To the authors' knowledge, this is the only report of a dog with cryptococcosis treated successfully using fluconazole as a sole agent.

scholarly journals Primary leptomeningeal gliomatosis in a domestic shorthaired cat

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 94-97
Author(s):  
Whitney M. Zoll ◽  
Andrew D. Miller ◽  
Carston Bandt ◽  
Jeffrey R. Abbott
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Intervertebral Disk ◽  
Lumbar Spinal Cord ◽  
Leptomeningeal Gliomatosis ◽  
Eosinophilic Cytoplasm ◽  
History Of ◽  
Homogeneous Matrix ◽  
Lumbar Spinal ◽  
Gross Examination

A 15-y-old neutered male domestic shorthaired cat was presented with a 16-d history of hindlimb paralysis in conjunction with 1-wk duration of inappetence and lethargy. Given intractable clinical signs, development of seizures, and poor prognosis, euthanasia was elected. Gross examination revealed mild, chronic, multifocal intervertebral disk disease; however, no gross abnormalities were noted in the spinal cord. Histologic examination of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spinal cord and the myelencephalon revealed diffuse and variable expansion of the meninges by sheets of neoplastic round-to-polygonal cells. The cells formed sheets and clusters, supported by a variably eosinophilic, fibrillar-to-basophilic, homogeneous matrix, and contained a small amount of eosinophilic cytoplasm. The nuclei were round with finely stippled to hyperchromatic chromatin and 1–2 small nucleoli. Mild white matter degeneration was present in the dorsal and ventral funiculi multifocally throughout the spinal cord, but was most severe in the ventral lumbar sections. Immunohistochemistry revealed strong intranuclear immunoreactivity for Olig2, and intracytoplasmic immunoreactivity for glial fibrillary acidic protein, MAP2, and vimentin in the neoplastic glial cells. To our knowledge, primary leptomeningeal gliomatosis has not been reported previously in a cat.

Intervertebral disk disease in 10 cats

2001 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 384-389 ◽  
Author(s):  
KR Munana ◽  
NJ Olby ◽  
NJ Sharp ◽  
TM Skeen
Keyword(s):  
Medical Records ◽  
Thoracolumbar Spine ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Intervertebral Disk ◽  
Type I ◽  
Excellent Outcome ◽  
Intervertebral Disks ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Intervertebral Disk Herniation ◽  
Intervertebral Disk Space

The medical records of 10 cats diagnosed with intervertebral disk disease were reviewed. No apparent sex or breed predilection was found. The mean age of cats in the study was 9.8 years. Clinical signs included back pain, difficulty ambulating, and incontinence. Radiographs revealed narrowed disk spaces, mineralized intervertebral disks, and evidence of extradural compression on myelography or computed tomography. All intervertebral disk herniations occurred in the thoracolumbar spine, with a peak incidence at the fourth to fifth lumbar (L4-L5) intervertebral disk space. Eight cats had Hansen's type I intervertebral disk herniation. Surgery was performed in seven cats. All cats judged to have an excellent outcome had undergone surgical decompression.

Lumbosacral Intervertebral Disk Disease in Six Cats

2008 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 109-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennipher E. Harris ◽  
Sarit Dhupa
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Urinary Incontinence ◽  
Medical Records ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Intervertebral Disk ◽  
Decompressive Laminectomy ◽  
Pelvic Limb

Medical records of six cats diagnosed with lumbosacral intervertebral disk disease were reviewed. Clinical signs included reluctance to jump, low tail carriage, elimination outside the litter box, reluctance to ambulate, pelvic-limb paresis, urinary incontinence, and constipation. All cats had lumbosacral hyperpathia on palpation. Computed tomography in four cats revealed evidence of extradural spinal cord compression at the seventh lumbar (L7) to first sacral (S1) vertebral interspace. Compression was confirmed via myelography in three of these four cats, with confirmation in the fourth cat at the time of decompressive laminectomy. Each of the six cats underwent dorsal decompressive laminectomy at the L7 to S1 interspace. Postoperative clinical follow-up lasted 3 to 35 months, with most cats having excellent outcomes.

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