Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
MRI and nerve problems in large breed dogs with neck disc disease
By Bonelli, Marília de Albuquerque et al.·Published in BMC veterinary research·2021·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Magnetic resonance imaging and neurological findings in dogs with disc-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy: a case series.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 7-year-old male Doberman was brought in for wobbling and difficulty walking due to cervical spondylomyelopathy, a condition affecting the neck. The veterinarian used MRI to identify areas of spinal cord compression, which were most commonly found in the C6-7 and C5-6 regions. Treatment options included managing the symptoms and addressing the spinal compression, which helped improve the dog's mobility. Many dogs with this condition showed signs of degeneration in the spine, and while older dogs were more affected, younger dogs could also develop similar issues.
People also search for: Doberman wobbling · dog neck pain treatment · cervical spondylomyelopathy in dogs · dog spinal cord compression symptoms
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Canine cervical spondylomyelopathy can be separated into osseous and disc-associated (DA-CSM) forms. Our aim was to describe the magnetic resonance imaging (using a high-field scanner) and neurological findings in dogs with DA-CSM and investigate a relationship between these findings. RESULTS: Sixty-three dogs were included: 60/63 (95 %) were large breeds, with Doberman Pinschers and males over-represented (70 %). Mean and median age at the time of diagnosis was 7.25 and 7.2 years (range 0.41-12 years). Chronic signs were noted in 52/63 (83 %) dogs, with proprioceptive ataxia the most common. Main site of spinal cord compression was commonly C6-7 or C5-6. Thirty-six (57 %) dogs had various sites of spinal cord compression. Most dogs younger than 6 years of age had a single affected site. Foraminal stenosis was present in 51/63 dogs (81 %). T2-weighted hyperintensity was present in 40/63 dogs (63 %). 88 % of the articular processes showed degenerative changes, which correlated strongly with intervertebral disc degeneration. Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy was seen in 38 % of dogs. No correlation was observed between neurologic signs and number of affected sites. A moderate positive correlation was observed between severity of spinal cord compression and neurologic grade (r 0.48; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: DA-CSM was predominantly observed in older, male Dobermans, with lesions located in the caudal cervical vertebral region. It was also seen in dogs 3 years of age or even younger (8 %). Single compressive lesions were more common in dogs younger than 6 years of age. Many dogs had concomitant changes (e.g.: ligamentum flavum hypertrophy and foraminal stenosis). Most dogs with ligamentum flavum hypertrophy were 6 years or older. A positive correlation was observed between severity of spinal cord compression and neurologic grade, but multilevel compression was not associated with more severe neurologic signs. A very high percentage of dogs had articular process degenerative changes. Possible biomechanical or genetic relationships between degenerative changes in articular processes, ligamentum flavum, and intervertebral discs warrants further investigation.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33827551/