Functional Neurorehabilitation in Dogs with an Incomplete Recovery 3 Months following Intervertebral Disc Surgery: A Case Series

• Main Authors: Ângela Martins, Débora Gouveia, Ana Cardoso, Carla Carvalho, Cátia Silva, Tiago Coelho, Óscar Gamboa, António Ferreira
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-08-01
• Series: Animals
• Subjects: spinal cord injury; locomotor training; functional electrical stimulation; transcutaneous electrical SC stimulation; chronic dogs; 4-aminopyridine
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/11/8/2442

This case series study aimed to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and positive outcome of the neurorehabilitation multimodal protocol (NRMP) in 16 chronic post-surgical IVDD Hansen type I dogs, with OFS 0/DPP− (<i>n</i> = 9) and OFS 1/DPP+ (<i>n</i> = 7). All were enrolled in the NRMP for a maximum of 90 days and were clinically discharged after achieving ambulation. The NRMP was based on locomotor training, functional electrical stimulation, transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation, and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) pharmacological management. In the Deep Pain Perception (DPP)+ dogs, 100% recovered ambulation within a mean period of 47 days, reaching OFS ≥11, which suggests that a longer period of time is needed for recovery. At follow-up, all dogs presented a positive evolution with voluntary micturition. Of the DPP− dogs admitted, all achieved a flexion/extension locomotor pattern within 30 days, and after starting the 4-AP, two dogs were discharged at outcome day 45, with 78% obtaining Spinal Reflex Locomotion (SRL) and automatic micturition within a mean period of 62 days. At follow-up, all dogs maintained their neurological status. After the NRMP, ambulatory status was achieved in 88% (14/16) of dogs, without concurrent events. Thus, an NRMP may be an important therapeutic option to reduce the need for euthanasia in the clinical setting.