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Condition Overview
Infections of the vertebrae, discs, and spinal cord are uncommon. Tumors can involve the spinal cord, nerve roots, or structures around the cord.
Symptoms
Symptoms are caused by the compression of the cord or the nerves coming out of the cord. Benign neoplasms such as meningiomas, and bony growths called osteophytes, may also cause compression. Malignant tumors include osteosarcomas and lymphosarcomas.
Causes
Most bacterial infection occur after trauma or from infected wounds close to the spine. Viral, fungal, rickettsial, and protozoan diseases that cause encephalitis can also cause spinal cord infections (known as myelitis).
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of myelitis is made by spinal tap and cerebrospinal fluid analysis.
Treatment
Treatment of myelitis involves the long-term use of antibiotics, selected after culture and sensitivity tests. Surgery may be necessary to remove a foreign body, drain an abscess, obtain material for testing, or relieve pressure on the spinal cord.
Some benign tumors can be removed surgically. Malignant tumors are not usually removable but may respond temporarily to radiation and/or chemotherapy.
Prevention
There is no prevention for this condition.
Support
Please contact your veterinarian with questions regarding this condition.
Sources
Dog Owners Home Veterinary Handbook
Publisher: Wiley Publishing, 2007
Website: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/
Authors: Debra M. Eldredge, Liisa D. Carlson, Delbert G. Carlson, James M. Giffen MD
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