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[Cervical intervertebral disk prolapse in a horse]
P Stadler1, S S van den Berg, R C Tustin
1Departement Geneeskunde, Fakulteit Veeartsenykunde, Universiteit van Pretoria Onderstepoort, Republiek van Suid-Afrika.
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
|March 1, 1988
Summary
A 16-year-old horse was diagnosed with Hansen type I cervical intervertebral disc disease, a condition causing paresis and ataxia. Diagnosis was confirmed via radiographs, myelography, and post-mortem examination.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Equine Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a common condition in horses.
- Hansen type I IVDD is characterized by a Type I degeneration of the nucleus pulposus.
- Cervical IVDD can lead to significant neurological deficits.
Observation:
- A 16-year-old American Saddler presented with paresis and ataxia.
- Clinical signs indicated a potential spinal cord issue.
- The horse exhibited progressive neurological deficits consistent with cervical myelopathy.
Findings:
- Ante-mortem diagnosis of Hansen type I cervical intervertebral disc prolapse was achieved using plain radiographs and myelography.
- Radiographic findings included characteristic changes associated with disc degeneration and protrusion.
- Myelography confirmed the location and extent of the spinal cord compression.
Implications:
- Early and accurate diagnosis of cervical intervertebral disc prolapse is crucial for prognosis and management in horses.
- This case highlights the utility of plain radiography and myelography in diagnosing equine IVDD.
- Understanding the pathogenesis of Hansen type I IVDD aids in developing targeted treatment strategies and preventative measures.