Case Description

A novel description of two Dogues de Bordeaux with thoracic stenosis caused by developmental overgrowth of the vertebral pedicles.

Clinical Findings

Two immature Dogues de Bordeaux presented for treatment of paraparesis. Each dog had marked ataxia and paresis of the pelvic limbs with no obvious panniculus cut-off or focal area of pain. Both dogs had deep pain perception and were both faecally and urinary continent.

Diagnostic Imaging

An initial myelogram in one dog failed to locate the lesion due to the rapidity of flow of the contrast column. When repeated, with particular attention to the thoracic spine, lateral compression of the spinal cord was visualised spanning from T4 to T6 vertebrae. On magnetic resonance images both dogs were seen to have lateral compression of the thoracic spinal cord caused by over-sized pedicles narrowing the lumen of the spinal canal.

Treatment and Outcome

Each case underwent decompressive surgery consisting of dorsal laminectomy and partial pediculectomy. Both dogs regained strong locomotor function with minimal residual pelvic limb ataxia.

Clinical Relevance

Thoracic stenosis due to maldevelopment of the vertebrae has not been previously described in the Dogue de Bordeaux. Cervical stenosis is commonly recognised in large breed dogs, however, it is important to be aware of thoracic stenosis which can easily be overlooked on myelograms preventing treatment of an easily correctable disorder.