Suspected Spinal Epidural Empyema and Associated Vertebral Osteomyelitis (Physitis)in a Dog

Summary A 1 year old female Aurstralian Heeler dog was presented for fever and paraplegia of recent onset. Radiography and myelography revealed osteolysis of the first lumber (L1) vertebra and extensive epidural spinal cord compression from the level of the thirteenth thoracic (T13) to the fourth lumbar (L4) vertebra. A decompressive hemilaminectomy was performed; purulent-appearing fluid and inflamed epidural fat were present in the vertebral canal. The neurologic recovery of the dog was satisfactory 6 months following surgery.