Inflammatory diseases of the spine in small animals.

ABSTRACT

Discospondylitis and steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis are the most frequently seen inflammatory diseases of the spine. Advanced imaging techniques and the examination of the cerebrospinal fluid are helpful to receive a definitive or presumptive diagnosis. Most inflammatory lesions are of unknown cause, but bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections may be detected. Specific treatment depends on the cause.