CVSM

Question 1

What is the basic definition of cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy?

Answer 1

(Ataxia and weakness caused by a narrowing of the cervical vertebral canal that causes compression of the spinal cord)

Question 2

What is the difference between CVSM type 1 and 2 for the following parameters:

• Age
• Breed
• Etiology

Answer 2

• Age (Type 1 is young horses, type 2 is older)
• Breed (Type 1 is most often thoroughbreds, type 2 affects all breeds)
• Etiology (Type 1 is multifactorial but basis is malformation of the vertebrae and/or canal, type 2 is degenerative specifically osteoarthritic changes of the articular processes)

Question 3

The typical history that comes along with a CVSM diagnosis is listed below, what additional history points might be made in a case of type 1 CVSM?

• Acute onset of ataxia/gait abnormalities following trauma (ataxia likely caused the trauma in the first place)
• Gradual development of neurologic signs
• Chronic history of poor performance in older horses

Answer 3

(Recent rapid growth or weight gain and/or foals larger than similarly aged foals)

Question 4

Where should the ataxia and paresis localize to in cases of CVSM?

Answer 4

(It’s in the name, the cervical spine)

Question 5

As CVSM progresses, will the pelvic or thoracic limbs be worse?

Answer 5

(The pelvic limbs bc the pelvic limb tracts are more superficial than the thoracic limb tracks in the spinal cord)

Question 6

What does medical treatment entail for a young (less than 1 year of age) horse with CVSM?

Answer 6

(Diet and exercise restrictions)

Question 7

What does medical treatment entail for an older horse with CVSM?

Answer 7

(Facet injections which are more effective in horses without neurologic deficits as the injections are mostly meant to help with pain associated with CVSM)

Question 8

What is the goal of surgical correction of CVSM?

Answer 8

(Stop repetitive trauma to the spinal cord)