Femoral nerve entrapment in a dog with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis.

OBJECTIVE

To report femoral neuropathy caused by nerve entrapment associated with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH).

STUDY

DESIGN

Case report.

ANIMAL: Seven-year-old female spayed Boxer dog.

RESULTS

Entrapment of the right femoral nerve due to DISH caused a femoral nerve deficit and atrophy of muscle groups associated with the affected nerve. A combination of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging was performed to provide a diagnosis. Amputation of the right transverse process of the sixth lumbar vertebra at the level of nerve entrapment relieved the neurological abnormality.

CONCLUSIONS

Nerve entrapment leading to neurapraxia may occur concurrently with DISH and surgery in this case was successful in restoring function.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Peripheral neuropathy from nerve entrapment should be considered in patients with DISH. Surgical amputation of impinging osseous structures may be indicated for relief of femoral neuropathy.