Constrictive myelopathy in an 11-year-old West Highland terrier dog

An 11-year-old spayed female West Highland terrier dog was evaluated because of a 2-month history of progressive hind limb weakness and ataxia. The dog was bright, alert, responsive, and showing no signs of pain but was moderately ataxic in both hind limbs, and was experiencing intermittent fecal incontinence. Computed tomography and myelogram led to a diagnosis of constrictive myelopathy secondary to thoracic caudal articular facet dysplasia. The dog was discharged without undergoing decompressive surgery, and has remained stable with a combination of acupuncture, laser therapy, and physical therapy. This condition has been reported most commonly in pugs and rarely in other dog breeds.