Diagnosis and treatment of spinal affections in dogs and cats
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Date
2022-09
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College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus
Abstract
A total of 3130 dogs and 533 cats were presented in the Department of Veterinary
Surgery and Radiology and Surgery Out Patient Department (SOPD), Veterinary Clinical
Complex, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara
during the period from 1st November 2021 to 31st July 2022. Overall incidence of spinal
affections 0.73 percentage and 1.68 percentage was recorded in dogs and cats respectively.
Incidence of spinal affections in male dogs (65.22 percentage) and in female cats (66.66
percentage) was highest. Non-descript dogs (30.43 percentage) and cats (88.88
percentage) were found to highly prone to spinal affections. Motor vehicle accident (30.43
percentage) and dog bites (44.44 percentage) was found to be the prime cause of spinal
trauma in dogs and cats respectively. Thoracolumbar region was found to be at highest
risk.
Out of the total spinal affection cases presented, 13 dogs and 5 cats were taken
under current study. The animals were evaluated clinically on the basis of physiological,
Orthopedic and neurological examination. Survey and contrast radiography was taken for
confirmation of the spinal affections. After confirmation, 7 dogs and 2 cats were treated
conservatively out of which 2 dogs (28.57 percentage) and 1 cat (50 percentage) showed
neurological recovery, whereas, 6 dogs and 3 cats were treated surgically (with pedicle
screws, spinal stapling and hemilaminectomy) out of which 1 dog (16.66 percentage) and
2 cats (66.67 percentage) showed neurological recovery followed by physiotherapy using
TENS, infrared light and hot fomentation.
At 20th day post-treatment there was an insignificant rise in ALP concentration
of dogs and cats which could be due to inflammatory phage of healing, osteoblastic
activity and administration of the steroids. The mean value of LDH concentration was
found to be highly significant. CSF was collected via cisternal tap and evaluated
chemically, macroscopically and microscopically. Neutrophils were observed in high
number at the reporting time.
Animals reported within 24 hours of affection with intact deep pain reflex
showed better recovery. So, earlier the case presented, better is the recovery.