Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with spinal empyema from migrating grass awn diagnosed by MRI
By Whitty, C C et al.·Published in New Zealand veterinary journal·2013·Veterinary Surgical Specialties Ltd·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Use of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of spinal empyema caused by a migrating grass awn in a dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 3.5-year-old male neutered Cocker Spaniel was brought in after experiencing worsening weakness in his hind legs for six days. The owner had previously removed a lot of barley grass seeds from the dog's coat, and the dog had also been treated for pneumonia a few weeks earlier. Upon examination, the dog was alert but unable to walk, and an MRI revealed a grass seed lodged in his spine. After surgery to remove the grass seed, the dog quickly recovered and regained full use of his legs.
People also search for: dog hind leg weakness · Cocker Spaniel grass seed in spine · dog spinal surgery recovery
Abstract
UNLABELLED: Abstract CASE HISTORY: A 13 kg 3.5-year-old male neutered Cocker Spaniel presented with a 6-day history of deteriorating hindlimb paresis. Approximately 10 weeks previously the owner reported removing a large number of barley grass seeds from the dog's coat and ears. Eight weeks later the dog was treated for pneumonia, based on clinical findings and thoracic radiographs. In the 4 days prior to referral the dog had a decreased appetite, was lethargic and appeared unable to urinate voluntarily. CLINICAL FINDINGS: The dog was bright and alert but unable to walk. Upper motor neuron signs were indicative of T3-L3 spinal lesion. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), an abnormal low signal linear structure within the left T12-T13 neural foramen extending to the left lateral aspects of the thoracic spinal cord was detected, consistent with a foreign body. A left T12-T13 lateral hemilaminectomy was performed and a grass seed removed from a tract extending caudally from the T12-13 space, dorsal to the lumbar transverse processes and the rib head. The dog made a rapid recovery after surgery with full resolution of clinical signs. DIAGNOSIS: Spinal empyema caused by a migrating barley grass awn (Hordeum spp.). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Advanced imaging using MRI can bea valuable method for localising foreign bodies prior to exploratory surgery. Animals presenting with neurological signs should have foreign body reactions included as a differential diagnosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23134153/