Dysphonia in a dog with cervical spinal cord injury and suspected progressive myelomalacia caused by a C4-C5 hydrated nucleus pulposus extrusion

Abstract

A 10.5-year-old dog was presented with acute onset tetraparesis progressing to tetraplegia. The clinical sign of dysphonia was documented in the absence of signs of laryngeal dysfunction. MRI findings of the cervical spinal cord were consistent with a C4-C5 hydrated nucleus pulposus extrusion (HNPE) and overlying spinal cord injury (SCI). Seven days after presentation, a repeat MRI study was performed due to clinical deterioration with respiratory compromise and revealed changes compatible with progressive myelomalacia. The dog was euthanased due to the progression of severe clinical signs. Dysphonia due to acute cervical SCI has not been reported in dogs. Explanations for the clinical sign of dysphonia are discussed, relevant aspects of the literature on HNPE are reviewed and discussion points are mentioned with regard to SCI and myelomalacia.