Permanent monoparesis in a dog after intramedullary injection of iohexol into the lumbar spinal cord

N Z Vet J. 2013 Jan;61(1):53-9. doi: 10.1080/00480169.2012.704846. Epub 2012 Sep 18.

Abstract

Abstract

Case history: An 8-year-old, spayed, Doberman Pinscher bitch presented for assessment of acute hindlimb paresis.

Clinical findings: During a lumbar myelographic contrast study a small volume of iohexol contrast agent was inadvertently injected into the cord parenchyma. After surgical hemilaminectomy for an intervertebral disc extrusion at L1-2 the dog recovered use of one hindlimb, but had ongoing extensor weakness of the left hindlimb. Left femoral nerve function had not returned after 14 months.

Diagnosis: EMG findings 14 months after the incident indicated persistent femoral neuropathy consistent with the intramedullary contrast injection at L3-4.

Clinical relevance: Inadvertent deposition of iohexol into spinal cord parenchyma may be rare, but if it occurs it can have long-lasting consequences.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Contrast Media / adverse effects*
  • Dog Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Dogs
  • Female
  • Hindlimb / pathology*
  • Injections, Spinal / veterinary
  • Iohexol / adverse effects*
  • Medication Errors / veterinary*
  • Paralysis / chemically induced
  • Paralysis / veterinary*

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Iohexol