Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Juvenile dogs with back pain and nerve problems from hemophilia
By Kayla M. Fowler et al.·Published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science·2022·Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States, CH·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Clinical, Diagnostic, and Imaging Findings in Three Juvenile Dogs With Paraspinal Hyperesthesia or Myelopathy as a Consequence of Hemophilia A: A Case Report
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Three young dogs were brought to the vet with sudden sensitivity along their spine and signs of nerve problems. After undergoing anesthesia for MRI scans, the vets found bleeding around their spinal cords, likely due to hemophilia A, a blood clotting disorder. One dog had surgery to relieve pressure from the bleeding and initially did well, while the other two faced complications and were eventually euthanized due to worsening conditions. This case highlights the importance of considering hemophilia A in young male dogs showing these symptoms, especially if there are other signs of bleeding.
People also search for: dog spine sensitivity · hemophilia A in dogs · dog neurologic problems · dog bleeding disorder symptoms · young dog with sudden weakness
Abstract
Three juvenile dogs presented with an acute onset of paraspinal hyperesthesia and/or neurologic deficits. These dogs underwent anesthesia for MRI and additional diagnostics. The thoracolumbar MRI in Dog 1 revealed an accumulation of T2-weighted (T2W) hyperintense, T1-weighted (T1W) iso- to hyperintense, contrast enhancing extradural material. The differential diagnoses were meningitis with secondary hemorrhage or empyema or late subacute hemorrhage. The initial cervical MRI in Dog 2 revealed T1W meningeal contrast enhancement suspected to be secondary to meningitis. A repeat MRI following neurologic decline after CSF sampling revealed a large area of T2W and T1W hyperintensity between fascial planes of the cervical musculature as well as T2W iso- to hyperintense and T1W iso- to hypointense extradural material at the level of C1 consistent with hemorrhage. The cervical MRI in Dog 3 revealed T2W hyperintense and T1W iso- to hypointense extradural compressive material consistent with hemorrhage. Dogs 1 and 2 underwent CSF sampling and developed complications, including subcutaneous hematoma and vertebral canal hemorrhage. Dog 3 underwent surgical decompression, which revealed a compressive extradural hematoma. In each case, a hemophilia panel including factor VIII concentration confirmed the diagnosis of hemophilia A. Dog 1 had a resolution of clinical signs for ~5 months before being euthanized from gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Dog 2 was euthanized due to neurologic decompensation following CSF sampling. Dog 3 did well for 2 weeks after surgery but was then lost to follow-up. This case series provides information on clinical signs, MRI findings, and outcome in 3 juvenile dogs with hemophilia A that developed neurologic deficits or paraspinal hyperesthesia secondary to spontaneous or iatrogenic vertebral canal hemorrhage. Hemophilia A should be considered as a differential in any young dog presenting with an acute onset of hyperesthesia with or without neurologic deficits. This diagnosis should be prioritized in young male dogs that have other evidence of hemorrhage on physical exam.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.871029