Degenerative lumbosacral stenosis in working dogs: Current concepts and review

Multivariable Analysis of the Association Between Lumbar and Lumbosacral MRI-Diagnosed Spinal Pathologies and Pain in Dogs

Lumbar and lumbosacral pain in dogs often involves multiple concurrent spinal pathologies, complicating the identification of primary pain generators. This study assessed the associations between MRI-diagnosed spinal pathologies and pain to provide clinically relevant insights for their diagnosis and management. MRI scans and clinical records of 518 client-owned dogs were retrospectively reviewed, documenting demographic data, pain status, and MRI findings. Multivariable logistic regression models evaluated the associations between spinal pathologies and pain, adjusting for age and weight. The intervertebral disc (IVD) extrusion was the primary pathology associated with lumbar pain, while radiculopathy had the strongest association with lumbosacral pain. Additional lumbosacral pathologies, including foraminal stenosis, IVD bulging, and IVD protrusion, were also significantly associated with pain. However, some dogs with MRI-diagnosed abnormalities showed no pain, whereas others with pain had no detectable MRI pathology, underscoring the need to interpret imaging within the clinical context. Pain responses observed during physical examination often overlapped between spinal and hip conditions, complicating diagnostic accuracy. These findings emphasise the importance of integrating imaging, clinical assessment, and targeted diagnostic techniques to improve pain localisation and treatment decisions, providing veterinarians with valuable data to refine the management of lumbar and lumbosacral pain in dogs.

Transitional lumbosacral vertebrae in black Norwegian elkhound and Brittany dogs: Clinical findings and its association with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis

BACKGROUND

Lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LTV) is a congenital anomaly in dogs and have been proposed to be associated with cauda equina syndrome (CES) in German Shepherd dogs. This prospective study, including 32 dogs from two breeds, aims to investigate if LTV is associated with lower back pain in dogs. The study compared owners' assessment of their dogs' well-being and clinical evaluation with advanced diagnostic imaging to identify changes that might explain clinical findings.

RESULTS

Dogs with LTV type 2 (57.0%) and with LTV type 3 (70.0%) exhibited mild lower back pain, which was significantly more frequent (P = 0.012) compared to dogs with LTV type 0 and LTV type 1. Advanced diagnostic imaging identified a plausible cause for this pain. Dogs diagnosed with LTV types 2 and 3 with lower back pain tended to be lighter (median 14.50 kg) and younger (median 4.10 years) than breeds typically reported for degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLSS). Based on the owners' assessment of their dogs, they considered them pain-free.

CONCLUSIONS

The study identified a correlation between LTV types 2 and 3 and lower back pain in these dog breeds. Advanced diagnostic imaging findings confirmed that dogs with these LTV types were more likely to exhibit pathological changes associated with DLSS.

Neurogenic Bladder in Dogs, Cats and Humans: A Comparative Review of Neurological Diseases

Lower urinary tract disease (LUTD) includes abnormalities in the structure and function of the bladder and the urethra. LUTD caused by neurological disease is defined neurogenic bladder (NB). The integrity of the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) is required to explicate normal micturition, maintaining the proper function of bladder and urethra. The location and type of neurological lesions influence the pattern of clinical manifestations, potential treatment, and prognosis. Though, in dogs and cats, spinal cord injury is considered mainly responsible for bladder and/or urethra incompetence, other disorders, congenital or acquired, involving CNS or PNS, could play a role in NB. In veterinary medicine, the information about the epidemiology, prevalence, etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of NB are scattered. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of the epidemiology, prevalence, clinical findings, diagnosis and prognosis for NB in dogs and cats compared with humans.

Postoperative outcomes of combined surgery comprising dorsal laminectomy, transarticular screws, pedicle screws and polymethylmethacrylate for dorsal fixation in 21 dogs with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis

OBJECTIVE

To retrospectively review the efficacy of combined surgery comprising dorsal laminectomy and dorsal fixation using screws and polymethylmethacrylate as treatment for dogs with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLSS).

ANIMALS

21 client owned dogs diagnosed with DLSS and treated surgically.

PROCEDURES

Based on clinical records, signalments, clinical signs, findings from orthopedic and neurological examinations, imaging findings, and postoperative complications were evaluated at the following time points: preoperatively, postoperatively, and 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after surgery.

RESULTS

In all 21 cases, clinical signs were alleviated, proprioceptive deficits were improved from 3 months after surgery, and no recurrence of clinical signs was observed during the observation period. Minor complications were observed in 6 cases (28.6%), including implant failure in 2 (9.5%), delayed healing of surgical wounds in 2 (9.5%), seroma in 1 (4.8%), and swelling of the affected area in 1 (4.8%). There was no case with major complications.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Combined surgery comprising dorsal laminectomy and dorsal fixation using screws and polymethylmethacrylate is a useful treatment that can improve long-term clinical signs in dogs with DLSS.

Canine Mobility Maintenance and Promotion of a Healthy Lifestyle

This article highlights the recommendations and considerations for maintaining a healthy canine lifestyle. A key component of a healthy lifestyle is the enhancement and optimization of mobility. Mobility is essential in maintaining a high quality of life and involves the interplay of a dog's structure, posture, body condition score, physical exercise, and a healthy human-animal bond throughout a dog's lifetime.

Case Report: Successful Therapy of Spontaneously Occurring Canine Degenerative Lumbosacral Stenosis Using Autologous Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

The management of degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLSS) in dogs usually requires aggressive, costly surgical treatments that may themselves present complications, while do not fully resolve the symptoms of the disease. In this study, the dog diagnosed with severe DLSS, with hind limb paresis, was treated using a new and least invasive treatment. Cultured autologous adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AT-MSCs) were injected bilaterally at the level of L7-S1, in the vicinity of the external aperture of the intervertebral foramen of DLSS patient. In the previously described treatments of spontaneous intervertebral disc degeneration in dogs, intradiscal injections of MSCs did not lead to positive effects. Here, we report a marked improvement in clinical outcome measures related to the ability of a dog to walk and trot, which were expressed by a numeric rating scale based on a veterinary assessment questionnaire. The improved status persisted throughout the observed time course of 4.5 years after the AT-MSC transplantation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of successful therapy, with long-term positive effect, of spontaneously occurring canine DLSS using presented treatment that, we believe, represents a contribution to current knowledge in this field and may shape both animal and human DLSS treatment options.

Effects of intervertebral distraction screw fixation of the lumbosacral joint on the adjacent lumbar segments in Beagles

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of intervertebral distraction screw (IDS) fixation of the lumbosacral joint (LSJ) on the intervertebral foraminal area (IFA) and intervertebral stabilization of the LSJ and adjacent lumbar segments in dogs.

ANIMALS

7 healthy Beagles.

PROCEDURES

Dorsal laminectomy was performed at the LSJ in each dog to expose the intervertebral disk. The IDS was then inserted into the L7-S1 disk. Computed tomography was performed before and after laminectomy and after IDS insertion (intact, laminectomy, and IDS conditions, respectively) to measure the intervertebral range of motion (ROM) and intervertebral distance (ID) at L7-S1, L6-7, and L5-6 with the LSJ in a flexed and extended position. The intervertebral foramina stenosis rate was calculated from the intervertebral foramina area in entrance, middle, and exit zones. Results were compared among conditions.

RESULTS

The ROM at L7-S1 after IDS insertion was lower than that observed before and after laminectomy; no other differences were identified among conditions. With the LSJ in the flexed position, the ID at L7-S1 was larger after IDS insertion than before and after laminectomy; no other differences in ID were identified. In all evaluated zones, the stenosis rate was lower after IDS insertion than before and after laminectomy. No differences in ROM, ID, and stenosis rate were identified among conditions at L6-7 or L5-6.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Results suggested that IDS fixation of the LSJ restricted lumbosacral ROM and prevented decreases in lumbosacral ID and IFA in healthy dogs. There were no changes at L6-7 and L5-6.

Dynamic MRI is reliable for evaluation of the lumbosacral spine in healthy dogs

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used to diagnose degenerative lumbosacral stenosis; however, studies show limited correlation between imaging and clinical signs. The purpose of this prospective observer agreement study was to use dynamic MRI of the lumbosacral (LS) spine of healthy dogs to determine reliable reference ranges. Twenty-two healthy large breed dogs were prospectively enrolled. MRI of the LS spine was performed in T2-weighted, T1-weighted, and T2-weighted SPACE sequences in neutral, flexed, and extended positions. Four observers performed image analyses. Measurements included LS angle, vertebral canal height and area, and LS foraminal areas. Ordinal categorical assessment of loss of fat signal in the foramina, LS compression, intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, spondylosis, and IVD protrusion was also performed. The majority of values were significantly larger in flexion versus neutral position, and significantly smaller in extension versus neutral position (P < .05). Subclinical compression and IVD protrusion was noted in a neutral position in 45% and 55% of dogs and in an extended position in 85% and 73% of dogs, respectively. Interobserver agreement was strong (intracluster correlation coefficient [ICC] > .5) except for the L7:LS vertebral canal area ratio (ICC ≤ .03). Intraobserver agreement was high (rho > .5) for all measurements except for the mid-L6:LS vertebral canal height ratio (rho = .38). There was poor interobserver agreement for loss of fat signal in the foramina and evidence of compression. This study provides the groundwork for future studies using dynamic MRI to evaluate dogs with signs of clinical LS disease.

Canine Degenerative Lumbosacral Stenosis: Prevalence, Impact And Management Strategies

Canine degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLSS) is a syndrome of low back pain with or without neurologic dysfunction associated with compression of the cauda equina. Most commonly occurring in medium- to large-breed dogs of middle to older age, German shepherd and working dogs are predisposed. Diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical signs, advanced imaging and ruling out other differential diagnoses. The volume of the intervertebral foramina at the lumbosacral junction is naturally reduced on extension but degenerative changes lead to a more marked reduction that can impinge the L7 nerve roots. Evidence is lacking on which to base decision-making for treatment of dogs with DLSS. However, surgical intervention may be indicated in dogs that do not respond to conservative management, or for dogs in which there is a requirement to work that prevents lifestyle adjustments. Improvements in electrodiagnosis and novel intra-discal treatments may improve the management of DLSS in the future.

Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae in cats and its relationship to lumbosacral vertebral canal stenosis

OBJECTIVES

Although a clear relationship has been demonstrated between the presence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae and the development of lumbosacral stenosis in dogs, this relationship has not been evaluated in cats. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the presence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae and lumbosacral stenosis in cats.

METHODS

The medical records and diagnostic imaging studies of 13 cats diagnosed with lumbosacral stenosis were retrospectively reviewed for lumbosacral abnormalities and compared with findings of 405 cats that underwent CT for reasons unrelated to spinal disease.

RESULTS

Clinical signs associated with lumbosacral stenosis included lumbosacral pain, low tail carriage, difficulty jumping, and urinary or faecal incontinence. Neurological signs included proprioceptive deficits, ambulatory paraparesis, pelvic limb ataxia, reduced spinal reflexes and reduced perianal reflex. Duration of clinical signs ranged from 1 day to 10 months (mean 3 months). Of the 13 cats with lumbosacral stenosis, seven (53.8%) were diagnosed with lumbosacral transitional vertebrae. In the control population of 405 cats, 24 (5.9%) were diagnosed with lumbosacral transitional vertebrae. Results indicated that lumbosacral transitional vertebrae were significantly ( P <0.0001) more prevalent in cats with lumbosacral stenosis compared with the control feline population (odds ratio 18.52, 95% confidence interval 6.1-62.1). Development of clinical signs of lumbosacral stenosis in cats with lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (mean 10.8 years) was not significantly different from that of cats without lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (mean 12.7 years). Likewise, there was no significant influence of breed ( P >0.99) or sex ( P = 0.29) on the occurrence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Despite lumbosacral stenosis being a rare spinal condition in cats, lumbosacral transitional vertebrae can be considered a risk factor for its development.

Cauda equina syndrome in dogs - a review

A lesion of sacrococcygeal spinal nerve roots forming a structure that resembles a horse's tail results in the development of clinical entity identified as the cauda equina syndrome (CES). The disease can evolve slowly and symptomatology can be incomplete, but the fully developed CES is characterized by pain and altered sensation in the pelvic extremities, tail, perianogenital region, paresis or plegia of hind limbs, incontinence and impotence. Major causes of CES in dogs are degenerative changes of the lumbosacral vertebral column, haematoma, inflammation, neoplasm or trauma. The diagnosis is based on history, clinical presentation, neurological symptomatology, spinal röntgenography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. In animals experiencing initial episodes of CES, conservative therapy can be attempted. But the only rational treatment of patients with severe neurological deficit is surgical decompression of the neural structures. The outcome depends on the underlying aetiology and the degree of sensory, motor and autonomic dysfunction. Canine and porcine experimental models mimicking the CES showed the involvement of intrinsic spinal cord structures. This points out the need for an early diagnosis followed by aggressive management before irreversible neuronal lesions develop. The search strategy involved the PubMed, Medline, Embase and ISI Web of Science from January 2000 to August 2017 using the terms 'cauda equina syndrome' and 'lumbosacral stenosis' in the English language literature; also references from selected papers were scanned and relevant articles included.

Evaluation of the rostral projection of the sacral lamina as a component of degenerative lumbosacral stenosis in German shepherd dogs

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between a greater rostral projection of the sacral lamina and clinical signs of cauda equina syndrome (CES) in German shepherd dogs (GSD) with presumptive degenerative lumbosacral disease (DLSS).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SAMPLE POPULATION

One hundred forty-three GSD (125 police dogs and 18 pet dogs) presenting for either CES or prebreeding evaluation. Fifty-five were classified as affected by CES and diagnosed with DLSS, and 88 were classified as unaffected on the basis of clinical and imaging findings.

METHODS

The position of the rostral edge of the sacral lamina was measured from radiographs and/or computed tomography (CT) scans. This position was compared between affected and unaffected dogs. In dogs that underwent both radiography and CT scanning, the agreement between sacral lamina localization using each imaging modality was determined. Owners/handlers were contacted to determine whether dogs subsequently developed clinical signs compatible with CES at a mean of 29 months (unaffected).

RESULTS

The sacral lamina did not extend as far rostrally in affected dogs, compared to unaffected dogs (P = .04). Among the 88 dogs unaffected by CES at initial evaluation, 2 developed clinical signs consistent with CES at follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Rostral projection of the sacral lamina, previously proposed as a potential risk factor in dogs with CES due to lumbosacral degeneration, was not associated with a diagnosis of DLSS in this study; the opposite was true.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Rostral projection of the sacral lamina may not be a predisposing factor in the development of CES due to DLSS in GSD.

Diagnosis of lumbosacral diskospondylosis in a bucking bull assisted by high-definition thermal and nuclear scintigraphic imaging

CASE DESCRIPTION An 8-year-old Brahman-cross bull was evaluated for left hind limb lameness of 2 months' duration. The lameness was first noticed during a rodeo bucking performance, immediately after the bull appeared to land inappropriately on the affected limb. CLINICAL FINDINGS Physical examination findings revealed left hind limb lameness, ataxia, and left-sided epaxial muscle atrophy. Palpation per rectum along the lumbar portion of the vertebral column revealed evidence of exostosis of the ventral aspect. High-definition infrared thermal imaging revealed a pattern of reduced skin temperature in the area of the left lumbar and gluteal regions suggestive of a disruption in the sympathetic control of peripheral blood flow. Nuclear scintigraphy revealed a focal area of increased radioisotope uptake on the left ventrolateral aspect of the L2-3 intervertebral joint. A presumptive diagnosis of ventrolateral vertebral spondylosis resulting in spinal nerve impingement was made. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME 200 mg of methylprednisolone was epidurally injected at the site of the lesion, and treatment with polysulfated glycosaminoglycans was initiated (500 mg, IM, every 4 days for 7 treatments, then monthly thereafter). The lameness and ataxia observed in the left hind limb resolved within 1 week after treatment began. Subsequently, the bull was discharged from the hospital and was used successfully for semen collection and live-cover breeding. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Use of thermography for the bull of this report provided additional insight into neurovascular physiologic function that classical imaging modalities are unable to provide and, when combined with nuclear scintigraphy, aided in identifying the most critical lesion in a complex clinical case.

Effect of dorsal laminectomy and dorsal annulectomy with partial lumbosacral discectomy on the volume of the lateral intervertebral neuroforamina in dogs when the lumbosacral junction is extended

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of dorsal annulectomy and partial discectomy on the volume of the lumbosacral lateral intervertebral neurovascular foramina (intervertebral foramina) in canine cadavers during extension of the lumbosacral junction.

STUDY DESIGN

Ex vivo experiment.

SAMPLE POPULATION

Lumbosacral specimens from 10 large breed dogs euthanatized for reasons unrelated to lumbosacral disease.

METHODS

The lumbosacral specimens were clamped in a wooden jig and scanned using computed tomography (CT) with the lumbosacral junction in a neutral position and loaded in extension using a tensioning device. The 3-dimensional volumes of the lumbosacral intervertebral neurovascular foramina were measured and the extent of any disc degeneration was determined from the CT data. A limited dorsal laminectomy of S1 and a dorsal LS annulectomy and partial discectomy were then performed. The lumbosacral specimens were remounted into the jig and loaded into extension at the same tension and were re-scanned. Measurements of intervertebral foraminal volume were then repeated.

RESULTS

The mean volume of the lumbosacral foramina (n = 20) was 381 mm³ in neutral (unloaded) positioning and 137 mm³ when loaded in extension. Following dorsal annulectomy, the mean volume was significantly reduced by a mean of 28% to 98 mm³ (P < .01). The foraminal volume was reduced in 19/20 lumbosacral foramen, with the post-annulectomy volume ranging from 31% to 97% of the pre-annulectomy volume (3%-69% reduction).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that a dorsal annulectomy with partial discectomy may induce further dynamic collapse of the lumbosacral articulation in the dog.

Feasibility for Measuring Transverse Area Ratios and Asymmetry of Lumbosacral Region Paraspinal Muscles in Working Dogs Using Computed Tomography

OBJECTIVES

Describe computed tomographic (CT) anatomy of canine lumbosacral (LS) paraspinal muscles, a method for measuring paraspinal muscle transverse area ratios and asymmetry using CT, and application of this method in a small sample of working dogs with versus without LS pain.

METHODS

Published anatomy references and atlases were reviewed and discrepancies were resolved by examination of anatomic specimens and multiplanar reformatted images to describe transverse CT anatomy of LS region paraspinal muscles. Sixteen Belgian malinois military working dogs were retrospectively recruited and assigned to LS pain positive versus negative groups based on medical record entries. A single observer unaware of dog group measured CT transverse areas of paraspinal muscles and adjacent vertebral bodies, in triplicate, for L5-S1 vertebral locations. A statistician compared muscle transverse area ratios and asymmetry at each vertebral location between groups.

RESULTS

The relative coefficient of variation for triplicate CT area measurements averaged 2.15% (N = 16). Multifidus lumborum (L6-7), psoas/iliopsoas (L5-6, L6-7), and sacrocaudalis dorsalis lateralis (L6-7, L7-S1) transverse area ratios were significantly smaller in dogs with LS pain (n = 11) versus without LS pain (n = 5) (p ≤ 0.05). Muscle asymmetry values were not significantly greater in dogs with versus without LS pain.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Computed tomographic morphometry of LS region paraspinal muscles is a feasible objective method for use in future evidence-based research studies in working dogs. Potential future research applications include determining whether decreased paraspinal muscle area ratios and/or increased paraspinal muscle asymmetry could be used as markers for preclinical LS pain in stoic dogs or risk factors for other injuries in high performance canine athletes, or determining whether core muscle strengthening exercise prescriptions for dogs with LS pain have an effect on paraspinal muscle area ratios and asymmetry.

Lumbar paraspinal muscle transverse area and symmetry in dogs with and without degenerative lumbosacral stenosis

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether dogs with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis have decreased lumbar paraspinal muscle transverse area and symmetry compared with control dogs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective cross-sectional study comparing muscles in transverse T2-weighted magnetic resonance images for nine dogs with and nine dogs without degenerative -lumbosacral stenosis. Mean transverse area was measured for the lumbar multifidus and sacrocaudalis dorsalis lateralis muscles bilaterally and the L7 vertebral body at the level of the caudal endplate. Transverse areas of both muscle groups relative to L7 and asymmetry indices were compared between study populations using independent t tests.

RESULTS

Mean muscle-to-L7 transverse area ratios were significantly smaller in the degenerative lumbosacral stenosis group compared with those in the control group in both lumbar multifidus (0·84 ±0·26 versus 1·09 ±0·25; P=0·027) and sacrocaudalis dorsalis lateralis (0·5 ±0·15 versus 0·68 ±0·12; P=0·005) muscles. Mean asymmetry indices were higher for both muscles in the group with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis than in the control group, but highly variable and the difference was not statistically significant.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

These findings suggest that dogs with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis have decreased lumbar paraspinal muscle mass that may be a cause or consequence of the -syndrome. Understanding altered paraspinal muscle characteristics may improve understanding of the -pathophysiology and management options for degenerative lumbosacral stenosis.

ACCURACY OF RADIOGRAPHIC DETECTION OF THE CRANIAL MARGIN OF THE DORSAL LAMINA OF THE CANINE SACRUM

An elongated sacral lamina has been described as one of the contributing factors for dogs with cauda equina syndrome due to degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLSS); however, published evidence is lacking on the accuracy of radiographic screening for the presence of this lesion. Objectives of this prospective, cross-sectional cadaver study were to describe the accuracy and repeatability of detection of the cranial sacral lamina margin on plain lateral radiographs of the lumbosacral junction in dogs. Twenty-five medium and large breed canine cadavers were radiographed before and after placement of a radiopaque hook in the cranial margin of the sacral lamina. Three independent evaluators placed digital markers at the perceived margin on preinterventional radiographs. The distance from perceived location to the true location on postinterventional radiographs was recorded for each dog and observer. A discordance threshold (distance between perceived and actual margin) of 1.5 mm was subjectively defined as clinically relevant. The three evaluators demonstrated good repeatability, although the accuracy for margin detection was only fair (mean discordance 1.7 mm). Evaluators demonstrated greater accuracy in identifying the landmark in juveniles (1.4 mm) vs. adults (1.8 mm; P < 0.01). Results of this study indicated that observer repeatability is good and accuracy is fair for correctly identifying the radiographic cranial margin of the sacral lamina in dogs. This should be taken into consideration when interpreting elongation of the sacral lamina in radiographs of dogs with suspected DLSS, especially adults.

Electrical stimulation of lumbar spinal nerve roots in dogs

The aim of this study was to test the applicability of electrical stimulation of lumbar spinal nerve roots and obtain normative electrical root stimulation (ERS) data for L7 nerve root and sciatic nerve in dogs. For that purpose ERS and sciatic nerve stimulations were performed consecutively, in totally 40 healthy dogs. ERS was applied in the L7/S1 intervertebral space via monopolar needle electrodes. Muscle responses were recorded from the gastrocnemius muscles on the left and right hind limbs. Sciatic nerve stimulation was performed at the greater trochanter level on the left hind limb, with records obtained from the left gastrocnemius muscle. Mean root latencies of the left and right side were 5.22 ± 0.49 ms and 5.29 ± 0.53 ms, respectively. There was no significant difference in root latency between the right and left sides. The mean terminal latency was 3.82 ± 0.46 ms. The proximal motor nerve conduction velocity of the sciatic nerve was 63.15 ± 3.43 m/s. The results of this study show that ERS provides objective data about the integrity of lumbar spinal nerve roots by evaluating the entire population of motor fibres and total length of the motor axon in dogs. ERS can be considered a useful diagnostic method for confirmation of diagnoses of lumbosacral diseases.

Emergency visits and occupational hazards in German Shepherd police dogs (2008-2010)

OBJECTIVE

To describe the most common reasons for emergency medical visits in working police dogs.

DESIGN

Retrospective case control study.

ANIMALS

Two hundred three German Shepherd dogs (GSDs); 138 police dog visits by 74 dogs and 138 pet (control) dog visits by 129 dogs.

PROCEDURES

Medical records of all GSDs seen in the emergency service (ES) at the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary Hospital from July 2008 to July 2010 were reviewed. The recorded diagnoses from police GSD ES visits (defined as a new problem or new episode of a recurrent problem) were compared to those of randomly chosen pet GSD ES visits.

RESULTS

There were significantly more intact male police GSDs than pet GSDs. Police GSDs were significantly younger than pet GSDs. The most common presenting complaint in both groups was gastrointestinal disease (eg, vomiting, diarrhea, gastric dilatation and volvulus). Pet GSDs were significantly more likely to present for geriatric conditions (eg, central nervous system disease, cardiovascular disease, and neoplastic conditions). Orthopedic issues were significantly more common in police GSDs.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Police GSDs are more likely to present for orthopedic injuries and less likely to present for geriatric diseases. Gastrointestinal disease is not unique to the working GSD and was equally represented in both populations. Preventative measures for all GSDs should focus on minimizing gastrointestinal disease. Preventive strategies focusing on physical fitness and conditioning as well as selective breeding programs may help reduce orthopedic injuries in police GSDs.