Chapter 33 Degenerative LS Stenosis Flashcards
Define the cauda equine
The sacral and caudal nerve roots
What is the embyologic origin of the SC?
And the vertebral column?
Neuroectoderm –> SC
Mesoderm –> Vertebral column
At what level does the SC typically terminate in:
Large breed dogs
Dogs <15kg
Cats and small dogs
Large breed dogs L4
Dogs <15kg L6
Cats and small dogs L7
How far does the dural sac extend in relation to the SC?
1-2cm further caudally
Which nerves (specifically) form the cauda equina
S1, S2, S3 and caudal nerves
(but L7 spinal nerve often included when LS discussed)
From which spinal cord segments do the following nerves arise, and what is their function?
Femoral n.
Sciatic n.
Pelvic n.
Pudendal n.
Caudal n.
Femoral n.: L4-L6. Hip flexion and stifle extension
Sciatic n.: L6-S1 (sometimes S2), Hipe extension, stifle flexion
Pelvic n.: S1-S3. Parasymathetic innervation to bladder (i.e. detrusor m)
Pudendal n.: S1-S3. Motor to urinary and anal sphincters
Caudal n.: Cd1-Cd5. Tail tone
How many formaina are present in the canine (and feline) sacrum?
2 on each side (for S1 and S2 nerves)
+ vertebral canal
What passes through intervertebral foramen?
Spinal nerve and accompanying spinl branch of dorsal intercostal arteries (thoracic vertebrae) or lumbar arteries (lumbar vertebrae)
What are the regions of the intervertebral foramen?
Entrance, middle and exit zones
List 5 breeds at greater risk of DLSS
- GSD
- Doberman
- Rottweiler
- Bernese
- Boxer
- Dalmatian
- Irish Setter
- Lab
Sex predispositioon for DLSS?
Male
Name a risk facotr for DLSS aside from breed, male and increasing age
Heavy work or training
List 5 clinical signs that may be seen with DLSS
- Crouched posture
- PL lameness/nerve root signature
- Reluctance to jump
- PL weakness
- Reduced flexor-withdrawal, cranial tibial, gastroc, perineal reflexes
- Urinary and faecal incontinence
- (Possible mild proprioceptive deficits - postural reaction deficits not usually seen in DLSS)
List 5 ddx for DLSS
Disco, fracture, neoplasia, SAD, CDM, ortho condition, ATE, prostatic/anorectal disease, polyarthritis, polyneuropathy, polymyositis, meningomyelitis
List 3 diseases that could cause coindidental T3-S3 myelopathy
IVDD, DISH, CDM