Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Spinal cord compression in Bernese mountain dogs diagnosed by MRI
By Eagleson, J S et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2009·Department of Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Cervical vertebral malformation-malarticulation syndrome in the Bernese mountain dog: clinical and magnetic resonance imaging features.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Seven Bernese mountain dogs were diagnosed with cervical vertebral malformation-malarticulation, a condition causing neck pain and potential mobility issues. They underwent magnetic resonance imaging, which revealed spinal cord compression and other abnormalities. Five of the dogs had surgery, while two were treated with medication. Both surgical and medical treatments showed similar outcomes, helping the dogs manage their symptoms. If your Bernese mountain dog is showing signs of neck pain or difficulty moving, it’s important to consult your vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
People also search for: Bernese mountain dog neck pain · cervical vertebral malformation treatment · dog spinal cord compression symptoms
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging features of cervical vertebral malformation-malarticulation in Bernese mountain dogs. METHODS: Seven Bernese mountain dogs (four males and three females) were diagnosed with cervical vertebral malformation-malarticulation by magnetic resonance imaging. The following data were evaluated retrospectively: (1) abnormalities of the cervical vertebral column and spinal cord, (2) spinal cord compression, (3) intervertebral disc degeneration and herniation, (4) severity of clinical signs pretreatment and after treatment, (5) type of treatment and (6) outcome. RESULTS: Spin echo T1-weighted and T2-weighted images disclosed multi-level, extradural compressive spinal cord lesions (ventral, dorsolateral or both) spanning from intervertebral disc spaces C3-4 to C6-7. In all seven dogs, T2-weighted images disclosed one or more intramedullary hyperintensities associated with extradural spinal cord compression. Surgery was performed in five dogs. Two dogs were managed medically. The prognosis for surgical or conservative management in Bernese mountain dogs was similar to cervical vertebral malformation-malarticulation in other breeds. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Cervical vertebral malformation-malarticulation is an important differential diagnosis for young to middle-aged Bernese mountain dogs with a C1-5 or C6-T2 neuroanatomic localisation. Dorsolateral spinal cord compression associated with articular process hypertrophy was the most common feature of cervical vertebral malformation-malarticulation in the seven Bernese mountain dogs evaluated.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19320813/