Scoliosis and associated cystic spinal cord lesion in a dog

A 7-month-old female Mastiff was admitted for weakness in the hind limbs and an abnormal gait. There was an obvious scoliosis in the midlumbar region. Using electromyography, fibrillation potentials and positive sharp waves were found in the epaxial musculature of the vertebral column lateral to the spinous processes of Tl3-L4 on the right (convex) side of the body. On myelographic evaluation, contrast medium irregularly filled the subdural and epidural space of Tl1-L3. On surgical examination, the dog had a cystic lesion of the spinal cord that correlated with myelographic findings. This lesion was incised and drained. The scoliotic defect was surgically straightened, and the affected vertebrae were fused. Six months after surgery, the vertebral column continued to be straight and the paraparesis had resolved.