Use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the diagnosis of spinal empyema caused by a migrating grass awn in a dog

Abstract

CASE HISTORY: A 13 kg 3.5-year-old male neutered Cocker Spaniel presented with a 6-day history of deteriorating hindlimb paresis. Approximately 10 weeks previously the owner reported removing a large number of barley grass seeds from the dog's coat and ears. Eight weeks later the dog was treated for pneumonia, based on clinical findings and thoracic radiographs. In the 4 days prior to referral the dog had a decreased appetite, was lethargic and appeared unable to urinate voluntarily.

CLINICAL FINDINGS: The dog was bright and alert but unable to walk. Upper motor neuron signs were indicative of T3–L3 spinal lesion. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), an abnormal low signal linear structure within the left T12–T13 neural foramen extending to the left lateral aspects of the thoracic spinal cord was detected, consistent with a foreign body. A left T12–T13 lateral hemilaminectomy was performed and a grass seed removed from a tract extending caudally from the T12–13 space, dorsal to the lumbar transverse processes and the rib head. The dog made a rapid recovery after surgery with full resolution of clinical signs.

DIAGNOSIS: Spinal empyema caused by a migrating barley grass awn (Hordeum spp.).

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Advanced imaging using MRI can bea valuable method for localising foreign bodies prior to exploratory surgery. Animals presenting with neurological signs should have foreign body reactions included as a differential diagnosis.

KEY WORDS:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• MRI
• grass seed
• grass awn
• foreign body
• spinal empyema
• Cocker Spaniel

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Southern Veterinary Supplies and Merial-Ancare for their sponsorship of Dr Caroline Whitty as the SVS/Merial Vetspecs Intern.