Discospondylitis in a 7-Month-Old French Bulldog: A Case Report

Abstract

A 7-month-old, intact, male French bulldog presented for paraplegia for two days, and persistent fever and diarrhea for seven days. Complete blood count and biochemical profiles were within normal limits. Radiography and computed tomography (CT) revealed destructive endplate lesions between T11 and T12. Surgery of intervertebral disc (IVD) curettage was performed because the dog was beginning to lose deep pain perception. Staphylococcus epidermis was isolated from blood culture and specimens of the IVD. After surgery, intravenous and oral antibiotics were continued for three weeks. The dog regained ambulatory status one month after surgery. Diagnosis of discospondylitis of T11 and T12 was confirmed according to CT and positive bacteria culture. To our knowledge, this case is the youngest dog confirmed with discospondylitis managed successfully, and the first case report of discospondylitis in a French bulldog. Aggressive surgical treatment is highly recommended in young dogs with rapidly progressive neurologic deficits from discospondylitis.

Computed tomography features of discospondylitis in dogs

“…The CT features evaluated were selected based on individual case reports of discospondylitis in dogs where CT had been utilized and on previously described radiographic features. 5,[10][11][12][13][14][15][16] The imaging features of the affected intervertebral disc spaces (IVDS), adjacent endplates, vertebral bodies, contiguous epidural space and meninges and paraspinal tissues were evaluated.…”

“…Vertebral malformations recently have been proposed to be found frequently in association with discospondylitis in screw-tailed brachycephalic dogs. 9 Despite increased availability of this imaging modality in veterinary medicine and several case reports incorporating CT in the diagnosis of discospondylitis, 5,[10][11][12][13][14][15] no studies specifically have described CT imaging findings in a cohort of dogs with discospondylitis.…”