Traumatic Intervertebral Disc Herniation with Paraplegia in a Black-Tailed Prairie Dog (Cynomys ludovicianus)

A two-year-old castrated male black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) was presented 48 hours after peracute onset of rear limb paraplegia secondary to a traumatic incident. The prairie dog was non-ambulatory in the rear legs with absent deep pain; hematuria and pollakiuria were also observed. Diagnostic imaging revealed intervertebral disc herniation with compression of the spinal cord at the L1-L2 disc spaces. Hemilaminectomy at the L1-L2 disc space was performed. After 48 hours, the prairie dog regained anal tone, and a deep pain response was noted.
Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Tags: Case Report Source Type: research