Surgical correction of degenerative lumbosacral stenosis in a puma (Puma concolor araucana)

Abstract

A 12-year-old adult, intact male puma (Puma concolor araucana) was evaluated because of abnormal hind limb gait and paresis. Neurological examination revealed a progressive paraparesis, bilateral pelvic limb proprioceptive deficit and tail paralysis. Survey radiographs and computed tomography (CT) were taken at the lumbosacral region in order to determine possible causes. CT study confirmed a stenotic vertebral canal at the L7/S1 level. A dorsal laminectomy was performed in order to decompress the affected area. Histopathologic examination of the harvested material revealed inflammation and hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum. Two weeks after the surgery, the puma showed progressive neurologic improvement and normal ambulation.