Abstract
The Schiff-Sherrington phenomenon is an extensor hypertonicity of the forelimbs that occurs when there is a severe injury in the thoracolumbar segment. A 4-years-old, intact female, mixed breed dog, presented with vehicle trauma history followed by non-ambulatory paraparesis, extensor rigidity of forelimb and allodynia pain sensation. Superficial pain sensation was decreased. The treatment was based on unique dose of dexamethasone followed by oral administration of meloxicam, tramadol hydrochloride, dypirone, omeprazole and, poly vitamin complex. Low field magnetic resonance image (MRI) showed hyperintensity signal between T12 and T13 on T2-wheighting image compatible with neuronal edema. In the day after, allodynia and extensor rigidity presented spontaneously resolution. At 10th day, return to voluntary ambulation without assistance. Schiff-Sherrington posture is usually associated with poor prognosis and grade V traumatic injury of the thoracolumbar spinal cord. We report a grade III traumatic spinal cord injury confirmed with MRI as only neuronal edema causing the posture. The Schiff-Sherrington posture often resolves spontaneously in 10-14 days, but neurological signs of trauma can persist. The conservative treatment proposed was efficient, promoting forelimb recovery on the day after and total recovery of motor function in 10 days.
Highlights
The Schiff-Sherrington phenomenon is characterized by extensor hypertonicity of the forelimbs and flaccid hindlimbs (Park; White; Tieber, 2012)
We report a case of automobile spinal cord trauma of the thoracolumbar spine, confirmed by magnetic resonance image (MRI), causing Schiff-Sherrington posture with rapid spontaneous recovery in a dog
This paper reports a spinal cord blunt trauma at T12-T13 region without fracture or dislodgement with initial presentation of Schiff-Sherrington posture and spontaneous full recovery with conservative treatment
Summary
The Schiff-Sherrington phenomenon is characterized by extensor hypertonicity of the forelimbs and flaccid hindlimbs (Park; White; Tieber, 2012). It is a common condition in dogs with thoracolumbar spinal cord injury (Bali et al, 2009). The main cause is acute injury, and severe compression of the thoracolumbar segment (Bali et al, 2009). Acute spinal cord trauma has high incidence in veterinary medicine. They may be caused by patient-related condition or exogenous trauma, due to motor vehicle accidents, falls, physical aggressions and/or projectiles (Webb; Ngan; Fowler, 2010). We report a case of automobile spinal cord trauma of the thoracolumbar spine, confirmed by MRI, causing Schiff-Sherrington posture with rapid spontaneous recovery in a dog
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