Myelopathies resulting in paraparesis/paraplegia in dogs and cats are commonly encountered in clinical practice. This lecture reviews the clinical and diagnostic approach the dogs presented with paraparesis/paraplegia in describes pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, outcome and prognosis of specific disorders. The main focus is on diseases that typically result in peracute or acute myelopathy including vertebral fractures and luxations (VFL), intervertebral disc extrusions (IVDE) (degenerated IVDE and hydrated nucleus pulposus extrusions (HNPE), and fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy (FCEM). Spinal disorders that occur infrequently, or that occasionally, but not typically, result in an acute clinical presentation will be mentioned briefly.
Recording from 24 November 2020
Dr. Elsa Beltran received her veterinary degree from the University Cardenal Herrera Ceu, Valencia, Spain, in 2002, following which she spent two years in general practice before undertaking an internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at University of Barcelona, Spain. Dr. Beltran completed a neurology internship in 2006 followed by a residency in neurology and neurosurgery at the Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, United Kingdom. Dr Beltran obtained the Diploma of the European College of Veterinary Neurology in 2011 and afterwards she spent 4 years as Senior Clinician at the same institution. In 2014, she joined the Royal Veterinary College, University of London where she is currently working as Associate Professor in Neurology-Neurosurgery. She is the chairperson of the ECVN Credential and Recertification Committee. She is interested in all aspects of veterinary neurology and neurosurgery, but has a particular interest in neuro-ophthalmology, neuroimaging and neurosurgery. Dr Beltran has a passion for learning on Veterinary Education and she obtained the postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Education in April 2019 and becoming a fellow of the higher education academy.
