Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Spinal fluid cysts causing nerve problems in dogs explained
By Smith, Casey J & Guevar, Julien·Published in The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne·2020·Department of Medical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Spinal subarachnoid diverticula in dogs: A review.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old Rottweiler was brought in for difficulty walking and occasional loss of bladder control. The vet diagnosed him with spinal subarachnoid diverticula, which are fluid-filled sacs in the spine that can compress nerves. Advanced imaging helped confirm the diagnosis, and the dog underwent surgery to relieve the pressure. After the procedure, he showed improvement in his mobility and urinary control, although some signs could return in the future.
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Abstract
Spinal subarachnoid diverticula are fluid dilations of the subarachnoid space that can cause a compressive myelopathy in dogs. These diverticula are usually associated with high motion areas in the cervical and caudal thoracic spine. The definitive etiopathogenesis has not been determined but likely involves congenital or acquired causes. Pugs, French bulldogs, and Rottweilers are overrepresented breeds. Clinical signs typically include ataxia, paresis, and upper motor neuron urinary and/or fecal incontinence; pain is a less common feature. Diagnosis is based on advanced imaging, with magnetic resonance imaging now being favored given the additional detail of the spinal cord parenchyma that can be obtained. Outcomes are better with surgical intervention than with medical therapies, though there is a lack of long-term data. No superior surgical technique has been identified, and questions remain on the significance of addressing leptomeningeal adhesions at the time of surgery. Clinical signs can recur, though not always due to recurrence of diverticulum formation, and pugs may be less likely to have a successful long-term outcome.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33149353/