Intervertebral disk disease in 3 striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Neurology
• Wildlife Medicine
• Comparative Neurology

Background:

• Paraparesis in skunks can be debilitating.
• Understanding the causes of neurologic deficits in exotic animals is crucial for effective treatment.

Observation:

• Three skunks presented with paraparesis.
• Neurologic examinations indicated upper or lower motor neuron disease.
• Diagnostic imaging confirmed intervertebral disk herniation (IVDH) in all cases.

Findings:

• Surgical treatment, including hemilaminectomy and dorsal laminectomy, was performed.
• Post-operative improvement was observed in all skunks.
• Minor residual neurologic deficits were noted in the long-term follow-up.

Implications:

• Thoracolumbar intervertebral disk herniation is a significant cause of paraparesis in skunks.
• IVDH should be considered in the differential diagnosis for skunks with hind limb weakness.
• This study highlights the importance of advanced diagnostics and surgical intervention for spinal conditions in exotic species.