CVCM Flashcards
type 1 vs type 2 CVCM
type 1- young horses, multifactoral, malformation early in life. enlargement of physes
type 2- >5yrs, degenerative, DJD and osteophytes causing bony abnormalities. wedging of vertebral collumn
common history and clinical signs associated with CVCM
thoroughbreds
type 1- rapid growth or weight gain, large foal. acute onset ataxia and trauma, can be gradual changes.
type 2- chronic performance issues, possible lameness, stiff neck, or behavioral issues
abnormally worn hooves. +- pain, muscle atrophy, palpable bony abnormalities. localized to the cervical spine
what would a radiograph of CVCM look like
bony abnormalities, flare of the vertebral epiphysis, malalignment btw adjacent vertebrae, ossification of the articular process
intravertebral space <50% at C4, C5, C6
confirm with myelography
what are the medical treatment options for CVCM
type 1- slow growth, restrict exercise if large foal. restrict protein and carbohydrate intake
type 2- joint injections to manage pain
what is the prognosis for CVCM medical vs surgical
medical- 30-80% improvement
ventral stabilization- 80% improve but only 50% return to work
no treatment is guarded to poor prognosis
what are other differentials for CVCM
EPM, trauma, ENAD (vit issue), equine herpesvirus
CVCM what is it
ataxia and weakness caused by narrowing of the cervical vertebral canal
also called wobblers
pathogenesis of type 1
genetics, trauma, too much exercise, poor nutrition, growing too fast?
what is the reduction in the dye collumn that would be considered CVCM
every joint space has normal ventral joint reduction.
CVCM will have dorsal and ventral disruption of the dye collumns by >50%
what is the surgical treatment for CVCM
goal is to stop repetitive trauma to the spinal cord.
ventral stabilization procedure
needs to be a young horse, with mild to moderate CS
