Degenerative lumbosacral stenosis in working dogs : Current concepts and review

Authors: Worth AJ, Hartman AC, Thompson DJ
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 57, Issue 6, pp 319-330, Dec 2009
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Dog
Subject Terms: Breed/breeding, Diagnostic procedures, Disease/defect, Genetics, Imaging, Joint/arthrology, Nervous system/neurology, Skeletal/bone/cartilage, Treatment/therapy
Article class: Review Article

---

Abstract:

• Degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLSS) is characterised by intervertebral disc degeneration, with secondary bony and soft-tissue changes leading to compression of the cauda equina.
• Large-breed, active and working dogs are the most commonly affected by DLSS.
• Specific manipulative tests allow the clinician to form a high suspicion of DLSS, and initiate investigation.
• Changes seen using conventional radiography are unreliable, and although contrast radiography represents an improvement, advanced imaging is accepted as the diagnostic method of choice.
• Treatment involves decompression and/or stabilisation procedures in working dogs, although conservative management may be acceptable in pet dogs with mild signs.
• Prognosis for return to work is only fair, and there is a high rate of recurrence following conventional surgery.
• Stabilisation procedures are associated with the potential for failure of the implant, and their use has not gained universal acceptance.
• A new surgical procedure, dorsolateral foramenotomy, offers a potential advance in the management of DLSS.
• Several aspects of the pathogenesis, heritability and optimal treatment approach remain uncertain.

KEY WORDS: Cauda equina, degenerative lumbosacral stenosis, intervertebral disc, German Shepherd dogs, canine, dogs

---