MIGRATION of foreign bodies to the lumbar spine has been reported in dogs but is uncommon (Johnston and Summers 1971; Brennan and Ihrke 1983). When identified, the foreign body has invariably been a grass awn. Inhalation followed by migration via thepleural space; and ingestion and transabdominal migration, have been proposed as modes by which foreign material may reach the lumbar spine (Johnston and Summers 1971, Frendin and others 1999). This short communication describes a case of sudden-onset paraparesis due to a septic focus associated with the migration of a large sprig of conifer to the lumbar vertebral canal of a dog. A four-year-old female neutered dobermann was referred for evaluation of acute-onset non-ambulatory pelvic limb paresis. Patellar, panniculus and pelvic limb withdrawal reflexes were considered normal, as was pedal sensation. The thoracic limbs were neurologically normal. Bladder control at presentation was not determined. The dog was normothermic. The dog had a history of short episodes of intermittent lethargy and suspected back pain over two years, which had previously responded to antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drug treatment. The most recent episode had occurred 10 days before presentation, and had rapidly responded to medical treatment, with the owner reporting a return to normal within seven days.
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