COMPRESSION OF THE SPINAL CORD 449 



condition, (d) A few cases have been observed in dogs and in 

 rabbits in which Echinococcus granulosus cysts produced 

 local pressure on the spinal cord, (e) Abscesses developing 

 in the spinal canal are rare, but when found near the verte- 

 bral column, the pus may burrow in between the inter- 

 vertebral disks producing infection resulting in edema and 

 inflammation. 



Pathogenesis.— Any of the conditions enumerated may 

 lead to a reduction in the lumen of the spinal canal. The 

 degree of injury or compression of the cord will depend 

 upon the character of the course and the point of involve- 

 ment of the vertebral column. 



Symptoms.— The rigidity of the spine and the careful way 

 in which the animal lies down and gets up are somewhat 

 characteristic. Dogs exhibit considerable pain on moving 

 the spinal column by whining, crying, etc. In movement 

 the animal is very cautious and often if recumbent refuses 

 to arise when called. Examination of the patient reveals 

 the rigid condition of the spine and the fixation of the 

 muscles of the back. Forced movement of the vertebrae 

 induces severe pain. Paralysis gradually develops posterior 

 to the point of compression; sensation is partially or com- 

 pletely destroyed, and involuntary passage of urine and 

 feces follows from paralysis of the sphincter muscles con- 

 cerned. 



Diagnosis.— An early diagnosis is often difficult owing to 

 the gradual development of the primary condition. A 

 careful examination of the vertebral column, its rigidity, 

 evidence of pain on movement, will assist in the diagnosis. 

 It may be confused with muscular rheumatism. 



Prognosis.— This must be considered unfavorable in all 

 cases. Recovery is very rare. 



Treatment.— Treatment is practically impossible. Oper- 

 able tumors, when its cause, may be removed surgically. 

 Abscesses may be opened and drained, but owing to the 

 complicating infection little can be expected in the way of 

 recovery or even improvement. No internal treatment has 

 proved of any value. Small doses of potassium iodid may 

 be tried in the milder cases. 

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