Prevalence, clinical features, and outcome of intervertebral disc extrusion associated with extensive epidural hemorrhage in a population of French Bulldogs compared to Dachshunds

• Published in: Journal of Veterinary Medical Science Vol. 84; no. 9; pp. 1307 - 1312
• Main Authors: POLI, Federica, CALISTRI, Maurizio, MEUCCI, Valentina, GENNARO, Gianfranco DI, BARONI, Massimo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: JAPANESE SOCIETY OF VETERINARY SCIENCE 2022; The Japanese Society of Veterinary Science
• Subjects: Dachshund; extensive epidural hemorrhage; French Bulldog; intervertebral disc extrusion; Surgery
• ISSN: 0916-7250; 1347-7439; 1347-7439
• DOI: 10.1292/jvms.22-0210

Intervertebral disc extrusion associated with extensive epidural hemorrhage (DEEH) is a well-documented pathological condition in veterinary medicine. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and clinical features of DEEH in a population of French Bulldogs affected by intervertebral disc extrusion (n=75), compare the findings with those from a group of Dachshunds (n=98) and identify possible predictive factors of DEEH and outcomes in surgically treated patients. The study showed that the prevalence of DEEH observed in Dachshunds (11.2% [95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.7–19.2%]) was significantly lower than that observed in French Bulldogs (41.3% [95% CI: 30.1–53.3%]). The multiple logistic regression model highlighted that the patients presenting with an acute onset of clinical signs (>24 hr) (odds ratio [OR]: 13.08; 95% CI: 4.63–37.03, P=0.00), presence of clinical signs progression (OR: 5.04; P=0.01), and French Bulldogs (OR: 5.15; 95% CI: 1.71–15.54, P=0.00) were at increased risk of developing DEEH. Secondary analysis showed that patients with DEEH were at an increased risk of being non-ambulatory at discharge (OR: 3.43; P=0.017). Overall, the surgically treated patients had favorable outcomes.