Ischaemic myelopathy

Question 1

What dogs do we usually see ischaemic myelopathy in?

Answer 1

Young, large, non-chondrodystrophoid dogs

AND

Miniature schnauzer

Question 2

Clinical signs?

Answer 2

Peracute, tend to stabilize, being non-progresive within first 24hour

Non-painfull (but might be distressed)

Mostly lateralised, severity from mild to severe

Different spinal cord segments can be affected

Question 3

What is the imaging modality of choice for diagnosing ischaemic myelopathy?

Answer 3

MRI + myelogram

CT/myelogram cannot see the spinal cord lesions

Question 4

Treatment?

Answer 4

Mainly supportive - depends on neurological status

If severily affected -> recommend intense hydro+physiotherapy

Question 5

What factors influence prognosis? What are negative prognostic factors?

Answer 5

Extent on lesion identified (length and percentage cross-sectional area)
neurological score at time of presentation

Negative prognostic factors:
- lack of nociception at presentation
- lower motor neuron lesion
- symmetry of signs