[Lumbosacral instability. The cauda equina compression syndrome in dogs]

Area of Science:

• Veterinary neurology
• Canine orthopedics
• Diagnostic imaging

Background:

• Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) in dogs is often associated with lumbosacral area diseases.
• Degenerative changes in the lumbosacral region are frequently observed in large-breed dogs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between radiographic findings in the lumbosacral area and clinical signs in large-breed dogs.
• To evaluate the diagnostic utility of specific radiographic parameters for lumbosacral instability.

Main Methods:

• Clinical, neurological, and radiological examinations of 227 large-breed dogs.
• Assessment of radiographic findings including L7 dorsal dislocation, spondylosis deformans, S1 contour, sclerosis, and intervertebral foramen changes.
• Comparison of radiographic results with clinical and neurological assessments.

Main Results:

• Dorsal dislocation of L7 (1-8 mm) was identified in 15 dogs, with the extended position being more sensitive for detection.
• Other pathological changes, indicative of lumbosacral instability and degenerative processes, were prevalent in 136 dogs without dislocation.
• No definitive correlation was established between L7/S1 spondylolisthesis and cauda equina compression on plain radiography.

Conclusions:

• Radiographic findings suggest widespread lumbosacral instability and chronic degenerative changes in large-breed dogs.
• While specific radiographic abnormalities are common, their direct link to cauda equina compression requires further investigation.