SPINE - infetious

Question 1

Cite one nematode that can invade the spinal cord parenchyma in dogs? What is the recommended treatment ? What is the most common type of pleocytosis?

Answer 1

Spirocerca lupi
Doramectin at 400 µg/kg SC q24h for 3d, then once a week for 6w
Eosinophilic pleocytosis

Question 2

Which features should increase suspicion for B. canis discospondylitis?

Answer 2

Young age
Long duration of clinical signs
Radiographic “hole punch” lesions
MRI evidence of vertebral physitis, spondylitis, and paravertebral inflammation without discitis

Question 3

How to monitor Brucella canis infection in dogs that receive poly-antimicrobial therapy? Which cut-off?

Answer 3

A 40% decline in PO1 antibody values at 2 to 6 months posttreatment could be considered supportive of response to treatment

Question 4

What is the risk factors for diskospondylitis in dogs after spinal decompression surgery for intervertebral disk herniation?

Answer 4

Weight > 20 kg

Question 5

Prior steroid therapy was associated with an increased risk of relapse with diskospondylitis: true or false?

Answer 5

False

Increased risk of progressive neurological dysfunction

That is trauma which is associated with increased risk of relapse.

Question 6

Which clinical sign is always present in cats suffering from discospondylitis? What is the prognosis?

Answer 6

Spinal hyperaesthesia

Outcome information available in 12 cats was excellent in terms of pain control and neurological function in 10 cats (83.3%) at the time of stopping antibiotics

Question 7

Which gender, IVD space, and bacteria are more often associated with discospondylitis?

Answer 7

Male dogs were overrepresented (236/386)
L7-S1 was the most common site (97/386)
Staphylococcus species (23/38 positive blood cultures)

Question 8

What are the most common X-Ray& CT features in discospondylitis in cats ?

Answer 8

Collapse or narrowing of the affected IVDS (80%)
Endplate erosion (60%)