Spinal Cord Disease - Acute & Progressive Flashcards
IVDH type I description
degeneration of the nucleus pulpous leading to EXTRUSION and loss of NP function
what are differentials for acute, progressive myelopathies
- IVDH type I
- discospondylitis
- infectious meningomyelitis
- non-infectious meningomyelitis (MUO/SRMA)
IVDH type I signalment
breeds: chondrodystrophic dogs
age: young to middle (<4 to 6 years)
IVDH type I pathogenesis
- early disc degeneration
- disc replaced with fibrocartilage
- chondroid metaplasia
- disc dehydration and mineralization
- apoptosis of NP
- calcification and extrusion of NP
what are the most common localizations for IVDH type I
- thoracolumbar
- T11-L2
- cervical spine
IVDH type I clinical signs
- hyperesthesia
- ataxia
- paraparesis
- paraplegia
can be pain only if not progressed to affect limb function
IVDH type I diagnosis
- surgery rads - narrowing of IVD space + disc mineralization
- MRI - definitive diagnosis; dark and narrow disc spaces w/ extrusion
IVDH type I treatment
conservative: cage rest 4-6 weeks, pain management (no steroids)
surgical: hemilaminectomy
discospondylitis description
infection of the cartilaginous endplates in the intervertebral space
discospondylitis signalment
breeds: large (esp. GSDs)
age: young to middle aged
discospondylitis clinical signs
usually acute but can be chronic if untreated
- spinal pain (hyperesthesia)
- fever + weight loss
- +/- neuro signs
usually NO paresis/paralysis or deficits - typically pain only
discospondylitis pathogenesis
genetic, trauma, migrating grass awns, dental disease, etc
bacterial: brucella canis, staph, strep, E. coli
fungal: aspergillus
discospondylitis diagnostics
- radiographs - end plate destruction
- MRI/CT
- blood or urine culture
discospondylitis treatment
long term antibiotics (6-8 weeks)
activity restriction
pain management
recheck rads to monitor progression
discospondylitis prognosis
good if no endocarditis
poor if fungal or brucella
