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Cervical vertebral malformation/malarticulation syndrome in large dogs
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman.
Summary
Prognosis for chronically affected animals with spinal cord compression is guarded due to potential minimal functional tissue. Early decompression and stabilization in animals with mild deficits offer the best chance for recovery.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Spinal Cord Injury
Background:
- Chronic spinal cord conditions in animals often involve minimal functional reserve.
- Accurate prognosis is challenging due to unknown extent of spinal cord damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate treatment goals and outcomes for cervical spinal cord compression.
- To identify factors influencing recovery in affected animals.
Main Methods:
- Focus on decompression and stabilization techniques for cervical spinal cord compression.
- Assessment of outcomes following surgical intervention.
Main Results:
- Treatment may only halt disease progression; recovery can be minimal even after decompression.
- Animals with minimal deficits treated early show better functional return.
Conclusions:
- Goals of treatment are decompression and stabilization.
- Early intervention with adequate decompression and stabilization improves outcomes for animals with cervical spinal cord compression.