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Bilateral Vertebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis Causing Cervical Spinal Cord Compression in a Dog
Kathryn E Rhue1, Amanda R Taylor1, Robert C Cole1
1Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University , Auburn, AL , USA.
Frontiers in Veterinary Science
|February 24, 2017
Summary
This study reports a rare case of vertebral venous sinus enlargement causing spinal cord compression and tetraparesis in a dog. Anticoagulant therapy showed promising results for this canine thrombus condition.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Vascular Medicine
- Canine Pathology
Background:
- Cervical hyperesthesia and tetraparesis are significant neurological signs in dogs.
- Extradural spinal cord compression can arise from various causes, including vascular abnormalities.
Observation:
- A 10-year-old dog presented with cervical hyperesthesia and tetraparesis.
- Magnetic resonance imaging revealed extradural compression at C2 due to dilated vertebral venous sinuses with suspected thrombi.
- An aortic thrombus was also identified, suggesting a systemic coagulopathy.
Findings:
- Vertebral venous sinus enlargement was identified as the cause of spinal cord compression and neurological deficits.
- Combination anticoagulant therapy (warfarin, clopidogrel, enoxaparin) led to rapid improvement in neurological signs.
- The aortic thrombus size decreased with treatment, and neurological function remained stable for six weeks.
Implications:
- This case highlights vertebral venous sinus enlargement as a novel cause of spinal cord compression and tetraparesis in dogs.
- Combined anticoagulant therapy demonstrated safety and efficacy in managing suspected thrombi in this canine patient.
- Vertebral sinus enlargement should be considered in the differential diagnosis for dogs presenting with tetraparesis and cervical hyperesthesia.
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