Intervertebral Disc Protrusion in a Ferret with Triple Thoracic Block Vertebrae

Abstract

Hind limb paresis or plegia in ferrets is a common sign of illness, which can be produced by intervertebral disc (IVD) extrusion or protrusion along with many other systemic diseases. This case report describes a ferret (Mustela putorius furo) with chronic onset paraplegia in which T7-T8, T8-T9, and T10-T11 IVD herniations and T9-T10 block vertebrae were diagnosed with the assistance of myelography. It is believed that the excessive stress on the adjacent annulus fibrosus and vertebral endplates resulting from block vertebrae could have been the cause of IVD disease in the atypical location described in this case.