Prevalence and risk factors for myelomalacia in dogs after disk herniation

Myelomalacia is defined as gross softening of the spinal cord characterized by hemorrhagic necrosis and liquefaction of spinal cord tissue that can occur after acute spinal cord injury. Myelomalacia frequently is associated with intervertebral disk herniation (IVDH). The pathophysiology of myelomalacia secondary to IVDH involves primary mechanical damage to the spinal cord caused by the concussive and compressive effects of disk herniation, followed by secondary damage caused by decreased vascular perfusion, ischemia, perivascular edema, electrolyte shifts, oxidative stress, release of free radicals and vasoactive molecules, inflammation, and apoptosis.
Source: Advances in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery - Category: Veterinary Research Tags: Neurology Source Type: research