Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Better prediction of recovery in dogs with spinal disc herniation
By Mashita, Tadahisa et al.·Published in The Journal of veterinary medical science·2015·Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Japan·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Combination of serum phosphorylated neurofilament heavy subunit and hyperintensity of intramedullary T2W on magnetic resonance imaging provides better prognostic value of canine thoracolumbar intervertebral disc herniation.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 94 dogs with sudden back problems due to intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH) were studied to see if certain tests could predict their recovery after surgery. Researchers looked at levels of a protein in the blood (serum phosphorylated neurofilament heavy subunit) and changes seen on MRI scans. They found that using both tests together provided a better chance of predicting whether a dog would be able to walk again after treatment. The combination of these tests showed high accuracy in forecasting outcomes, which could help vets make better decisions for dogs with this condition.
People also search for: dog back problems surgery · intervertebral disc herniation prognosis · dog MRI results interpretation
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of concurrent measurement of serum phosphorylated neurofilament heavy subunit (pNF-H) concentration and intramedullary T2W hyperintensity in paraplegic to paraplegic dogs. Our hypothesis was that concurrent measurement of these would provide a more accurate prediction of functional outcome in dogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH). A prospective case-control clinical study was designed using 94 dogs with acute onset of thoracolumbar IVDH. The association of serum pNF-H concentration, T2W hyperintensity on sagittal MRI (T2H/L2), deep pain perception and surgical outcome were evaluated with logistic regression analysis after three months for all 94 surgically treated dogs. Sensitivity to predict non-ambulatory outcome was compared among pNF-H and T2H/L2 and combination of both. Logistic regression analysis indicated that serum pNF-H concentration and T2H/L2 were significantly correlated with surgical outcome (P<0.05); however, deep pain perception was not (P=0.41). The results of logistic regression analysis indicated that the odds ratios of unsuccessful long-term outcome were 2.6 for serum pNF-H concentration, 1.9 for T2H/L2 and 2.3 for deep pain sensation. The sensitivity and specificity to predict non-ambulatory outcome for using serum parameter pNF-H>2.6 ng/ml, using T2H/L2 value of>0.84 and using both serum pNF-H and T2H/L2, were 95% and 75.7%, 65% and 86.5%, and 90.0% and 97.5%, respectively. Therefore, combined measurements of serum pNF-H and T2H/L2 might be useful for predicting long-term outcome in dogs with thoracolumbar IVDH.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25650056/