Diskospondylitis in a 3-year-old Male Castrated Doberman Pinscher

Abstract

A 3 year old male castrated Doberman Pinscher, presented to Cornell University Hospital for Animals’ (CUHA) Neurology Service for evaluation following a three month history of inappetance, severe weight loss and neck/ hind leg pain. Spinal pain was neurolocalized to both the cervical vertebrae (C1-C-5) and lumbrosacral (L4-S3) region. Lateral spinal radiographs were consistent with progressive diskospondylitis (worst at L2-L3) and severe degenerative changes and spondylosis deformans. Sterilely collected blood and urine were submitted for culture and sensitivity. Both of which returned a result of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. The patient was treated with intravenous fluids and antibiotics (Enrofloxacin and Cephalexin) in addition to oral pain medication (Gabapentin). His appetite and alertness improved dramatically and he was discharged for continued antibiotic and pain treatment at home. This paper will discuss the workup, treatment and monitoring of diskospondylitis in our patient.