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A six-year-old male neutered Dachshund presents with hind limb paralysis and intact deep pain

April 5, 2021

By Phil Zeltzman, DVM, DACVS, CVJ, Fear Free Certified

A six-year-old male neutered Dachshund presents with hind limb paralysis and intact deep pain. We will assume the patient has a disc hernia. Photo courtesy Phil Zeltzman — Photo courtesy Phil Zeltzman

Presentation

A six-year-old male neutered Dachshund presents with hind limb paralysis and intact deep pain. We will assume the patient has a disc hernia.

Question 1: What is the correct approach?
	You perform a neurological exam and refer him to a specialist on an emergency basis.
	You send him home on a tapering dose of prednisone over 21 days.
	You recommend euthanasia because advanced imaging is expensive and spinal surgery has a poor prognosis.

Question 2: What is a likely scenario?
	Radiographs of the awake patient show a narrow disc space between T10 and T11. The lesion is likely to be a disc hernia between T10 and T11.
	Hind leg reflexes are all depressed. The lesion is likely to be a disc hernia between T3 and L3.
	Hind leg reflexes are all normal. The lesion is likely to be a disc hernia between T3 and L3.

Question 3: Which statement is correct?
	Despite decompressive surgery, most paralyzed patients never walk again.
	With early decompressive surgery, this patient’s prognosis is good to excellent.
	Referral is indicated as soon as the patient loses deep pain.

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