Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Meningomyelitis in young hound and toy breed dogs signs and outcomes
By Griffin, J F et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2008·Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Meningomyelitis in dogs: a retrospective review of 28 cases (1999 to 2007).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of young hound and toy breed dogs were diagnosed with meningomyelitis, a condition affecting the spinal cord and brain, which caused symptoms like unsteady walking, weakness in the limbs, and sensitivity along the spine. Many of these dogs were less than three years old and had a significantly higher risk of developing this condition compared to other breeds. Unfortunately, half of the affected dogs either died or were euthanized, but some did show improvement or complete resolution of their symptoms with treatment. If you notice similar signs in your young dog, it's important to consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
People also search for: dog unsteady walking treatment · young dog spinal problems · hound breed meningomyelitis symptoms
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To characterise dogs with meningomyelitis and to compare signalment, body temperature and vaccination status to a representative control group. METHODS: Dogs with meningomyelitis were identified retrospectively. Signalment, history, vaccination status, body temperature, severity of neurological dysfunction (modified Frankel score), diagnostic procedures, aetiology, survival to discharge and long-term survival were analysed. RESULTS: Affected dogs were younger (P<0.05) and more frequently hound or toy breeds (P<0.05) when compared with controls. Hound and toy breed dogs less than or equal to three years of age had a 13 times higher odds of meningomyelitis compared with other breeds (P<0.001). General proprioceptive ataxia, limb paresis and paraspinal hyperaesthesia were the most common clinical signs. Meningomyelitis of unknown aetiology and granulomatous meningomyelitis were the most common diagnoses. The median time to death or continued follow-up in dogs alive at discharge was 213 days. Meningomyelitis resulted in death or euthanasia in 14 of 28 dogs. Clinical signs improved or resolved in seven of 28 dogs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Meningomyelitis is a differential diagnosis for dogs with clinical signs of myelopathy. Young dogs and toy or hound breeds seem to be predisposed. Clinical signs of meningomyelitis improve or resolve in some dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18631217/