DO DOGS SPINAL WALK? ELECTROPHYSIOLOGIC CHARACTERIZATION OF LONG TRACT INTEGRITY IN CANINE SPINAL CORD INJURY

摘要

Severe, acute thoracolumbar spinal cord injury (TLSCI) may leave dogs with permanent loss of pain perception. Despite this, 20-40% recover the ability to walk in the year following injury. It is unclear whether this recovery requires descending control or occurs through local circuitry. The aim of this study was to characterize the electrophysiologic status of motor and sensory tracts in dogs with chronic motor and sensory deficits due to acute TLSCI and to correlate findings to gait.