Page 284 - Canine Lameness

Table 16.1 Key features of select neurologic diseases causing monoparesis or neurogenic lameness of the thoracic limb.

Clinical
Diagnostic test of presentation and Distinguishing exam
Disease Common signalment choice course findings Treatment Clinical pearls
Intervertebral Disc Young- to middle-aged History and Acute, Depends on severity Depends on Common cause of
(IVD) extrusion adults; examination progressive, or and location; spinal clinical signs; lameness or
(Hansen Type I) chondrodystrophic MRI wax/wane hyperesthesia common conservative or monoparesis; frequently
surgical lateralized and acute
Acute non- Older, large-breed History and Peracute, May be painful on Conservative Less commonly results
compressive examination nonprogressive exam but non-painful in lameness or
nucleus pulposus MRI after 24 h after 24 h; symmetric monoparesis; more often
extrusion (ANNPE) or asymmetric signs affects multiple limbs
Fibrocartilaginous Young- to middle- History and Peracute, Usually non-painful Conservative Occasionally results in
embolism (FCE) aged, large- and examination nonprogressive and asymmetric signs lameness or paresis
giant-breed MRI after 24 h (mono- or hemiparesis)
Neoplasia of the Older but any age History and Acute or chronic, Sensory exam Conservative; Common cause of
spinal nerve or examination progressive (cutaneous testing) surgical; and monoparesis or
spinal cord Radiographs and muscle atrophy radiation therapy lameness
MRI
CT
Electrodiagnostics
Brachial plexus Any History and Peracute to acute Sensory exam Conservative; Commonly causes
injury examination Nonprogressive (cutaneous testing) typically lameness or
MRI after 24 h and muscle atrophy amputation in monoparesis (if history
Electrodiagnostics severe cases supports)
Peracute = several hours; acute = several days; chronic = weeks or longer.
CT, computed tomography; CSF, cerebrospinal fluid; and MRI, magnetic resonance imaging.

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