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23 September 2019 SURGICAL AND POSTOPERATIVE TREATMENT OF INTERVERTEBRAL DISC DISEASE IN A MOUNTAIN COATI (NASUELLA OLIVACEA) USING BEHAVIORAL MANAGEMENT AND PHYSICAL THERAPY
Jamie Y. Nakatani, Leah L. Greer, Gary L. Wilson, Sady Y. Cabrera
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Abstract

A captive 8-yr-old female mountain coati, Nasuella olivacea, presented with intermittent paresis of the pelvic limbs. The coati was anesthetized for radiographs, which showed mineralized discs in the thoracolumbar region. After 3 mo of daily prednisone, its condition further declined. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed extradural disc herniation, spinal cord compression, and requirement for a left-sided hemilaminectomy. Postoperatively, the coati received prednisolone, gabapentin, tramadol, and clavamox. An established history of positive reinforcement training allowed caretakers to implement physical therapy walks and novel exercises designed for its condition. The coati showed improvement with appropriate proprioceptive positioning and improved balance. Intervertebral disc disease is common in dogs and cats, and although physical therapy is routinely implemented in recovering neurologic patients of those species, it is relatively new in zoologic medicine. This report highlights the benefits of behavioral management in postoperative management of nondomestic species.

Copyright 2019 by American Association of Zoo Veterinarians
Jamie Y. Nakatani, Leah L. Greer, Gary L. Wilson, and Sady Y. Cabrera "SURGICAL AND POSTOPERATIVE TREATMENT OF INTERVERTEBRAL DISC DISEASE IN A MOUNTAIN COATI (NASUELLA OLIVACEA) USING BEHAVIORAL MANAGEMENT AND PHYSICAL THERAPY," Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 50(3), 727-730, (23 September 2019). https://doi.org/10.1638/2018-0063
Accepted: 3 June 2019; Published: 23 September 2019
KEYWORDS
Delayed proprioceptive positioning
hemilaminectomy
intervertebral disc disease
mountain coati
Nasuella olivacea
physical therapy
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