Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Factors that affect recovery from sudden disc disease in dogs
By Natasha J. Olby et al.·Published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science·2020·Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, United States, CH·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Prognostic Factors in Canine Acute Intervertebral Disc Disease
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A dog with acute back pain and possible paralysis was evaluated for intervertebral disc disease, a common cause of spinal cord injury. The severity of the initial injury and the type of disc problem were important factors in predicting recovery. Dogs that lost deep pain perception generally had a worse outcome, while those treated surgically often had better chances of regaining mobility and normal bladder and bowel control. Monitoring specific proteins in the blood and spinal fluid, along with MRI results, can help vets provide better prognoses and treatment plans.
People also search for: dog back pain treatment · intervertebral disc disease prognosis · dog paralysis recovery options
Abstract
Knowledge of the prognosis of acute spinal cord injury is critical to provide appropriate information for clients and make the best treatment choices. Acute intervertebral disc extrusions (IVDE) are a common cause of pain and paralysis in dogs with several types of IVDE occurring. Important prognostic considerations are recovery of ambulation, return of urinary and fecal continence, resolution of pain and, on the negative side, development of progressive myelomalacia. Initial injury severity affects prognosis as does type of IVDE, particularly when considering recovery of continence. Overall, loss of deep pain perception signals a worse outcome. When considering Hansen type 1 IVDE, the prognosis is altered by the choice of surgical vs. medical therapy. Concentration of structural proteins in the plasma, as well as inflammatory mediators, creatine kinase, and myelin basic protein in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can provide additional prognostic information. Finally, cross-sectional area and length of T2 hyperintensity and loss of HASTE signal on MRI have been associated with outcome. Future developments in plasma and imaging biomarkers will assist in accurate prognostication and optimization of patient management.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.596059