Serum C-reactive protein in dogs with paraplegia secondary to acute intervertebral disc extrusion

Background Apart from the absence of nociception, there is no readily available prognostic test for dogs presenting with paraplegia secondary to acute intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE). Objective To assess if serum C-reactive protein (CRP) can predict the postoperative outcome in paraplegic dogs undergoing surgery for IVDE and to assess the association between serum CRP and presence/absence of nociception on admission, and serum CRP and presence/absence of intramedullary changes seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Animals One hundred dogs that underwent surgery at our hospital between 2018 and 2020 because of acute paraplegia secondary to IVDE and in which serum CRP was measured. Methods Retrospective observational cohort study. Dogs were classified as 4 or 5 according to the modified Frankel score (MFS) depending on presence/absence of nociception, respectively. MRI images were reviewed and the T2-weighted hyperintensity: L2 vertebral body length was measured. Postoperative outcome was defined as positive if nociception, ambulation or both returned after decompressive surgery. Results The median (95% CI) serum CRP was 4 (4-5) and 6 (4-7) mg/L in MSF4 and MSF5, respectively (P = .03). A weak linear relationship (R-2 = 0.049, P = .03) was found between CRP and the T2-weighted hyperintensity: L2 vertebral length. Outcome data was available for 85 dogs: CRP was 4 (4-5) and 5 (4-10) mg/L in positive and negative outcome dogs, respectively (P = .32). Conclusion and Clinical Importance Serum CRP did not predict outcome after surgery in dogs with paraplegia secondary to IVDE.