Sarpekidou E. DVM, PhD Candidate, Companion Animal Clinic, Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Konstantopoulou E. DVM, Hellenic Air Force | Mantziaras G. DVM, PhD, ECHOVET, Marousi, Attiki | Tsoulou K.A. Undergraduate Student, Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Mavropoulou E.A. DVM, Radiology Intern, Companion Animal Clinic, Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Kazakos G. DVM, PhD, Professor, Companion Animal Clinic, Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Introduction
Osteochondrosis is a disorder defined as a focal disturbance of endochondral ossification due to multiple factors. The main etiology is heredity and anatomic conformation, but other factors could be trauma, dietary errors and rapid growth. The purpose of this report is to present a case of sacral osteochondrosis in a dog.
Clinical case
A 7.5-year-old male German Shepherd dog of Hellenic Air Force was referred to us due to episodes of paresis and pain of the hindlimbs after intense exercise. On clinical and neurological examination bilateral increase of patellar reflexes, withdraw reflex reduced, muscular atrophy of the left hindlimb and pain during palpitation of the lumbosacral spine were observed. After plain radiographs and CT scan of the lumbosacral spine, diagnosis of sacral osteochondrosis was made.
Results
Surgical fragment removal only, led to full recovery and 4 months later the dog resumed his duties in the Air Force.
Conclusions
Sacral osteochondrosis in dogs is a relatively rare condition that should be included in the differential diagnosis of lumbosacral syndrome and can be treated surgically, contributing to full motor recovery.
