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Spinal epidural empyema in seven dogs
James A Lavely1, Karen M Vernau, William Vernau
1Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Veterinary Surgery : VS
|February 14, 2006
Summary
Spinal epidural empyema (SEE) in dogs presents with signs like fever and spinal pain. Prompt surgical decompression and antibiotics offer a good prognosis for canine patients with SEE.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Canine Infectious Diseases
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Spinal epidural empyema (SEE) is a serious condition in dogs.
- Characterizing clinical presentation, diagnostics, and outcomes is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the clinical signs, diagnostic findings, surgical interventions, and outcomes for dogs diagnosed with SEE.
- To establish SEE as a differential diagnosis in dogs presenting with fever, spinal pain, and myelopathy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of seven dogs diagnosed with SEE between 1992 and 2001.
- Inclusion criteria involved neurological exams, imaging (radiographs, myelography), surgical confirmation, and microbial culture.
Main Results:
- Common signs included lethargy, fever, anorexia, spinal pain, and paraparesis/plegia.
- Neutrophilia and cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis were frequent findings. Bacteria were isolated from various sites, not typically CSF.
- Five of seven dogs showed neurological improvement and had good long-term outcomes following hemilaminectomy and antibiotics.
Conclusions:
- Dogs with SEE can achieve favorable outcomes with timely surgical decompression and appropriate antibiotic therapy.
- SEE should be considered in the differential diagnosis for dogs exhibiting fever, spinal pain, and neurological deficits.