Page 1860 - Cote clinical veterinary advisor dogs and cats 4th

Spinal Malformations, Congenital 933.e3

• Frequent bladder expression in animals with PEARLS & CONSIDERATIONS SUGGESTED READINGS
incontinence Comments Coates JR: Paraparesis: spinal cord and vertebral
VetBooks.ir • House in well-padded area, turn from side • Many congenital vertebral malformations manual of canine and feline neurology, ed 4, Diseases and Disorders
• Sling-assisted ambulation if needed
malformations. In Platt SR, et al, editors: BSAVA
evident on radiographs are incidental findings
to side to avoid pressure sores, and keep
Gloucester, UK, 2013, British Small Animal
Veterinary Association, pp 312-315.
and do not cause clinical signs.
clean and dry.
• Advanced imaging is needed to evaluate Westworth DR, et al: Congenital spinal malforma-
Possible Complications evidence of spinal cord involvement and tions in small animals. Vet Clin North Am Small
• Worsening of clinical signs exclude other causes of spinal cord disease. Anim 40:951-981, 2010.
• Urinary tract infections (p. 232) • Surgical treatment is often recommended to AUTHOR: Daniela A. Mauler, DVM, CCRP, DECVN
treat vertebral malformations that result in EDITOR: Karen R. Muñana, DVM, MS, DACVIM
Recommended Monitoring neurologic deficits, but outcome varies. (Neurology)
Monitor dogs for neurologic deterioration.
Technician Tips
PROGNOSIS & OUTCOME Dogs with vertebral malformations and possible
instability need to be handled very cautiously,
• Vertebral malformations: prognosis varies especially during anesthesia, when the muscle
with severity of neurologic signs, chronicity tone is decreased.
of signs, presence of concurrent neurologic
disease, and with surgical or conservative Client Education
treatment approach. With vertebral malformations, neurologic
• Spinal dysraphism: poor prognosis for recovery can take weeks to months and may
recovery of function not be complete.

www.ExpertConsult.com