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Spinal arachnoid cysts in 17 dogs.
Todd M Skeen1, Natasha J Olby, Karen R Muñana
1Veterinary Teaching Hospital, North Carolina State University, 4700 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606-1428, USA.
Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
|May 21, 2003
Summary
Spinal arachnoid cysts in dogs often cause progressive ataxia. Surgical treatment offers short-term improvement, but long-term outcomes for canine spinal arachnoid cysts are variable.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Canine Medicine
Background:
- Spinal arachnoid cysts are congenital or acquired malformations.
- These cysts can cause progressive neurological deficits in dogs.
- Understanding trends in canine spinal arachnoid cysts is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively examine signalment, history, neurological status, treatment, and prognosis of dogs with spinal arachnoid cysts.
- To identify trends and predictors of outcome in canine spinal arachnoid cysts.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records from 17 dogs diagnosed with spinal arachnoid cysts.
- Analysis of signalment, clinical signs, cyst location, surgical treatment, and short- and long-term outcomes.
- Statistical analysis to identify significant predictors of prognosis.
Main Results:
- Typical presentation: nonpainful, progressive ataxia with hypermetria and incontinence.
- Common locations: cervical (young, large breeds) or caudal thoracic (older, small breeds).
- Short-term surgical success was high (14/15 dogs), but long-term outcomes (>1 year) were less favorable (8/12 dogs).
Conclusions:
- Spinal arachnoid cysts in dogs present with characteristic neurological deficits.
- Surgical intervention for canine spinal arachnoid cysts shows good short-term results but variable long-term prognosis.
- Younger age, shorter disease duration, and marsupialization may correlate with better long-term outcomes.