MIELOPATIA CERVICAL ESTENÓTICA EM EQUINOS – ESTUDO DE 7 CASOS

In this case report, methods to accomplish differential diagnosis for Cervical Stenotic Myelopathy with other diseases with similar symptomatology are described. Cervical Stenotic Myelopathy is an affection characterized by the narrowing of the cervical vertebrae canal, causing a spinal cord compression. This abnormality usually results of a cervical vertebral malformation during the development of the animal. Nutritional imbalances are straightly related to the development of this syndrome. Genetic influence is also described as an etiologic factor. In spite of being an orthopedic disease, it appears through nervous symptomatology, as a result of the spinal cord compression. Thus, the accomplishment of differential diagnosis is necessary for traumatic lesions, Equine Protozoal Mieloencephalitis, Equine Herpesvirus Mieloencephalitis and Equine Degenerative Mieloencephalitis. In this study diagnosis methods, like radiography and myelogram, were used to detect Cervical Stenotic Myelopathy in 7 Thoroughbred horses. The simple radiological examination showed disorders at the bone conformation, while the myelogram was important in the recognition of the site of spinal cord compression. The histopathological examination was conclusive on the detection of spinal cord compressive lesions. KEY WORDS: Cervical stenosis, equine, myelopathy, spinal cord, Wobbler. Keywords: Equine, Spinal Cord, Myelopathy, Cervical Stenosis, Wobbler