Intervertebral Disk Disease in 3 Striped Skunks (Mephitis mephitis)

M.W. Krauss, L. Benato, J. McDonnell, N.J. Schoemaker, I. Westerhof, E. Bronson, I. Gielen, A. van Caelenberg, T. Hellebuyck, B.P. Meij, S. de Decker

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    Abstract

    Objective
    To describe diagnostic findings, surgical technique, and outcome in 3 striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) with a history of paraparesis.

    Study Design
    Case series.

    Animals
    Skunks (n = 3) with paraparesis.

    Methods
    Neurologic examination revealed upper motor neuron disease (T2–L2) in 2 skunks and lower motor neuron disease (L3–S3) in 1 skunk. Diagnostic imaging included radiography, myelography, CT, and MRI and confirmed intervertebral disk herniation (IVDH) in each skunk. Because initial treatment with pain medication and cage rest did not result in lasting improvement, spinal surgery was performed.

    Results
    Hemilaminectomy (2 skunks) and dorsal laminectomy (1 skunk) was performed with removal of extruded disk material. The skunks improved after surgery but all had minor residual neurologic deficits when examined at various times postoperatively.

    Conclusion
    Thoracolumbar intervertebral disk herniation occurs in skunks, and must be included in the differential diagnosis of paraparesis.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)589–592
    JournalVeterinary Surgery
    Volume43
    Issue number5
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Jul 2014

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