Characterization of risk factors for early ambulation in paraplegic dogs with absent pain perception undergoing decompressive surgery for thoracolumbar intervertebral disk extrusions

This study investigates the recovery of walking ability in dogs with paralysis and no deep pain sensation after surgery for a slipped disc in their back. It looks at what factors might help or hinder their recovery. The study also compares the outcomes of French Bulldogs to Dachshunds, as there's a belief that French Bulldogs might have a poorer prognosis after this type of surgery. The findings help veterinarians better understand the chances of recovery for these dogs and inform owners about what to expect after surgery.

• 1
  Approximately 60.6% of dogs regained the ability to walk after surgery, and 7.1% regained walking ability without regaining pain sensation.
• 2
  Having a surgery that included durotomy (cutting the dura mater) was a negative factor, reducing the likelihood of regaining the ability to walk.
• 3
  The presence of spinal shock, indicated by reduced or absent reflexes in the hind limbs, also decreased the chances of regaining the ability to walk.