Lumbosacral stenosis and injury of the cauda equina

Idiopathic (congenital) L/S stenosis, acquired (degenerative) L/S stenosis, and traumatic injury to the vertebral column caudal to L6 often produce signs of neurologic dysfunction attributed to compression, displacement, entrapment, or trauma of the cauda equina. Clinical signs vary from animal to animal and depend upon which roots of the cauda equina are involved and the nature of the compromise. An understanding of the anatomy of the area and an appreciation for the functional relationship between the cauda equina and structures innervated are essential for accurate evaluation, workup, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome.