Retrospective Review of Canine Spinal Cord Injuries at Private Veterinary Hospitals in Abuja

Spinal cord injuries in dogs present as neurological emergencies requiring prompt diagnosis and appropriate surgical or conservative management. This retrospective review examines the clinical presentation, radiographic features, management strategies, and outcomes of canine spinal cord injuries recorded at private veterinary hospitals in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, between 2020 and 2024. Medical records of 58 dogs presenting with spinal dysfunction were reviewed. Inclusion criteria included confirmed history of trauma or degenerative disc disease with neurological deficits. Survey radiography and myelography were the primary imaging modalities employed. Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) was the most common cause of spinal cord dysfunction, accounting for 47% of cases, while traumatic vertebral fractures or luxations comprised 36%. Dachshunds and French Bulldogs were overrepresented among IVDD cases. Neurological grading using the modified Frankel scale showed that 78% of patients presented with grades III to V deficits. Medical management with strict cage rest and anti-inflammatory therapy was employed in 53% of cases, while surgical decompression was indicated in 47%. Postoperative neurological recovery was achieved in 71% of surgically managed patients. These findings highlight the emerging clinical significance of spinal cord disease in companion animals in the Federal Capital Territory and support greater investment in advanced imaging capabilities such as MRI in Nigerian urban veterinary centers. Keywords: canine spinal cord injury, intervertebral disc disease, myelography, Abuja, veterinary neurology.