Intervertebral disk disease in 3 striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis).
OBJECTIVE
To describe diagnostic findings, surgical technique, and outcome in 3 striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) with a history of paraparesis.


METHODS
Case series.


METHODS
Skunks (n = 3) with paraparesis.


METHODS
Neurologic examination revealed upper motor neuron disease (T2-L2) in 2 skunks and lower motor neuron disease (L3-S3) in 1 skunk. Diagnostic imaging included radiography, myelography, CT, and MRI and confirmed intervertebral disk herniation (IVDH) in each skunk. Because initial treatment with pain medication and cage rest did not result in lasting improvement, spinal surgery was performed.


RESULTS
Hemilaminectomy (2 skunks) and dorsal laminectomy (1 skunk) was performed with removal of extruded disk material. The skunks improved after surgery but all had minor residual neurologic deficits when examined at various times postoperatively.


CONCLUSIONS
Thoracolumbar intervertebral disk herniation occurs in skunks, and must be included in the differential diagnosis of paraparesis.
Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Maximiljan W
MW
Krauss
Livia
L
Benato
Allison
A
Wack
John J
JJ
McDonnell
Nico J
NJ
Schoemaker
Ineke
I
Westerhof
Ellen
E
Bronson
Ingrid
I
Gielen
Annemie
A
Van Caelenberg
Tom
T
Hellebuyck
Björn P
BP
Meij
Steven
S
De Decker
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D055959:Intervertebral Disc Degeneration / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D007796:Laminectomy / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D012889:Mephitidae; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000662:veterinary; D011859:Radiography; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae