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31 December 2013 CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING FINDINGS IN AN ITALIAN WOLF (CANIS LUPUS ITALICUS) WITH DISCOSPONDYLITIS
Offer Zeira, Chiara Briola, Martin Konar, Marta Plonek, Valentina Papa
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

An adult male Italian wolf (Canis lupus italicus) was presented with an abnormal gait. Neurologic examination showed thoracic kyphosis, paraparesis, decreased proprioception in the pelvic limbs, and normal spinal reflexes. Neurologic symptoms suggested a thoracolumbar spinal cord lesion. Pathologic findings included leukocytosis. Spinal radiographs revealed ventral spondylosis of T4/T5/T6, a poorly defined intervertebral disc space, and mild lysis of the vertebral margins. Multiple metallic foreign bodies were seen in the thoracic wall. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine detected increased signal intensity on fluid sensitive sequences of the vertebral bodies, the intervertebral disc, and surrounding soft tissues. These findings were interpreted as active discospondylitis at T4/T5. Medical therapy included antibiotic and analgesic treatment as well as movement restriction. Follow-up at 4 wk showed significant clinical and radiologic improvement. Discospondylitis should be included in the differential diagnosis in wolves with paresis.

American Association of Zoo Veterinarians
Offer Zeira, Chiara Briola, Martin Konar, Marta Plonek, and Valentina Papa "CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING FINDINGS IN AN ITALIAN WOLF (CANIS LUPUS ITALICUS) WITH DISCOSPONDYLITIS," Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 44(4), 1086-1089, (31 December 2013). https://doi.org/10.1638/2013-0007R1.1
Published: 31 December 2013
KEYWORDS
Canis lupus italicus
discospondylitis
magnetic resonance imaging
osteomyelitis
paresis
wolf
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