Spinal Epidural Abscess in Two Calves

Zani, Davide Danilo; Romano, Laura Bertolacini; Scandella, M.; Rondena, M.; Riccaboni, P.; Morandi, Nicola; Lombardo, Rocco; Giancamillo, M. Di; Belloli, A.; Pravettoni, D.

doi:10.1111/j.1532-950x.2008.00454.x

Cited by 17 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…It may also occur secondary to back trauma [7] or iatrogenic infections caused by epidural or paravertebral anaesthesia [13]. However, none of these risk factors could be identified in the calf described in this report.…”

Section: Case Presentationmentioning

confidence: 87%

“…Discospondylitis may occur via haematogenous spread of bacteria from primary infections of the umbilicus, lungs, urinary bladder or other organs [1,4,10,12,13]. It may also occur secondary to back trauma [7] or iatrogenic infections caused by epidural or paravertebral anaesthesia [13].…”

Section: Case Presentationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The further the changes of the lumbosacral discospondylitis progress, the more neurological deficits (e.g. loss of sensitivity and proprioception, posterior paresis or paralysis, cauda equina syndrome) and muscle atrophy [3,4,13,17] may occur. In our case, differential diagnoses such as meningitis, vertebral fracture or luxation, vertebral anomaly, spinal abscess, oedema, haemorrhage or neoplasia in the vertebral canal were less likely based on clinical, radiographic and cerebrospinal fluid examinations.…”

Section: Case Presentationmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Diagnosis and treatment of lumbosacral discospondylitis in a calf

et al. 2011

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BackgroundThe aim of this case report was to describe the clinical findings, treatment and outcome of lumbosacral discospondylitis in a calf.Case PresentationA 5.5-month-old calf was presented with difficulty in rising, a stiff and slightly ataxic gait in the hind limbs and a shortened stride. The lumbosacral region was severely painful on palpation.Radiographic examination confirmed lumbosacral discospondylitis. Medical treatment with stall rest was instituted over six weeks. Radiographic and ultrasonographic follow-up examinations showed lysis of the endplates initially, then collapse of the intervertebral space at the lumbosacral junction and progressive sclerosis in the periphery of the lytic zones. Four weeks after institution of treatment, the calf could rise normally and the general condition gradually had returned to normal. The calf was discharged after 6 weeks and was sound at 3.5 months clinical and radiographic follow up examination. Thereafter, it was kept on alpine pastures without problems and was pregnant 1 year after the last examination.ConclusionsThis report shows that recovery from lumbosacral discospondylitis is possible in heifers, provided that treatment is started before major neurologic deficits have developed and is continued for an extended period of time.

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Section: Case Presentationmentioning

confidence: 87%

Section: Case Presentationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Case Presentationmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Diagnosis and treatment of lumbosacral discospondylitis in a calf

et al. 2011

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“…33 The calf was positioned in sternal recumbency with the head and neck extended; a similar technique to that reported for the patient of this report was used to relieve spinal cord compression at C3-C4. The calf responded well and was growing at a normal rate with no neurologic deficits.…”

Section: Ruminants/ Camelidsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The calf responded well and was growing at a normal rate with no neurologic deficits. 33 Indirect decompression using vertebral distraction techniques, as described for dogs 34 and horses, [35][36][37] was considered; however, distraction and stabilization would not have immediately addressed the static compressive lesion in this patient. This technique would also have required placing implants into bone previously affected by a septic process, and complete resolution of the infection could not be confirmed at the time of surgery.…”

Section: Ruminants/ Camelidsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dorsal laminectomy for treatment of cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy in an alpaca

Barker

Witte²,

Driver³

et al. 2015

javma

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Case Description—An 11-year-old male breeding alpaca was evaluated for a 2-day history of lowered head carriage and lethargy. Clinical Findings—On initial examination, the alpaca had signs of lethargy and lowered carriage of the head and neck, but no specific neurologic deficits. Medical management improved the clinical signs, but 8 months later, the alpaca developed acute, progressive general proprioceptive ataxia affecting all 4 limbs and was referred for further evaluation and treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging and CT identified disruption of the normal osseous architecture of C7 and T1. Medical management was attempted, but because of a lack of improvement, the patient underwent surgery 14 months after initial examination. Treatment and Outcome—A dorsal laminectomy of C7 and T1 via a dorsal midline approach was performed, and the spinous processes of both vertebrae were removed prior to removal of the overlying lamina. Free dorsal expansion of the spinal cord was ensured by resection of the ligamentum flavum. Six months after surgery, the alpaca had returned to successful breeding with 7 hembra bred in the first year after surgery, producing 6 crias, and 4 crias in the second year. The patient was eventually euthanized 28 months after surgery because of neurologic deterioration but was still ambulatory at that time. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—A good outcome with adequate alleviation of clinical signs and breeding soundness for > 2 years following dorsal laminectomy was achieved in this camelid patient. The surgical approach was similar to that in other species and was associated with mild postoperative morbidity. Veterinarians treating camelids should be aware of the initial clinical signs and treatment options for cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy. In acute cases, the signs of reduced cervical mobility and pain on manipulation should prompt investigation including appropriate diagnostic imaging. Timely surgical intervention should be considered in patients that respond poorly to medical treatment to avoid irreversible spinal cord injury and optimize outcome.

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