Myelomalacia in 2 Dogs

Lower motor neuron signs of hind limbs, anus and bladder were identified by history taking and physical examination in the 6.8 year-old mongrel dog and 2.6 year-old Cocker spaniel. The Cocker spaniel, also showed gradual cranial migration of neurologic deficit including respiratory paralysis. On plain radiography and myelography, intervertebral disc extrusion between L2 and L3, the infiltration of contrast medium into the spinal cord and cord swelling were found in the mongrel dog, and infiltration of contrast medium like hollowness of cord parenchyma was observed in the Cocker spaniel. On the basis of clinical signs and radiographic findings, they were diagnosed tentatively as acute myelomalacia. The Cocker spaniel died of respiratory paralysis on the following day. Decompressive surgery was performed on the mongrel dog and the extensive necrosis and hemorrhage were found at surgery. It was euthanized with the owner's consent because of the perceived poor prognosis. Histopathologic examination after autopsy confirmed acute diffuse hemorrhagic myelomalacia with the swelling and the inflammation of axon, showing hemorrhagic changes in the white matter and the grey matter.

개의 척수연화증 진단 2례