Problem

Cauda equina syndrome is a set of conditions resulting from pathologies occurring between the last lumbar vertebrae and the sacrum. Those pathologies also affect intervertebral disc, tissues of this area and nerves reffered to as filum terminale. This syndrome may be caused by basically any disturbance which leads to spinal stenosis and therefore to pressure on neural structures.

The condition may reveal itself relatively abruptly and the ailments related to it are most commonly:

• pain in the lumbar area of the back, as well as sciatica-like symptoms ( pain radiating from loins to buttocks, through the back part of a thigh and a lower leg all the way to a foot ),
• dysaesthesia, which mainly concern buttocks area, perineum and the back parts of a thigh , a lower leg and the inner side of a foot; they may affect one side of the body, as well as both,
• muscle fatigue in lower limbs ( symmetrical or asymmetrical ),
• sphincters dysfunction ( mostly affects urethral sphincters, which is related to a tendency to withholding too big amounts of urine in the bladder; in advanced cases may occur impairment of sphincter functioning responsible for controlling the process of defaecation.

This condition is predominantly found in large breed dogs : German shepherds, Dobermans, schnauzers, labradors, Siberian Huskies, and mongrels mixed of these breeds.

It is a condition that may be cured pharmacologically by anti-inflammatory and analgetic medication or surgical treatment – a spinal cord and nerve roots decompression. In case of animals’ diseases, the decision on the course of treatment is made by the owner. For this reason, it is essential to precisely explain them the nature of the disease and its subsequent way of treatment.

Solution

Anatomical models are of great help during conversations with clients, because they legibly illustrate anatomical structures even to a layperson. The model available in our range which presents Cauda Equina Syndrome in Domestic Dog was made in 3D printing technology and prepared on the basis of sick German shepherd’s computed tomography. It is perfect for educational purposes – both for veterinary students, as well as for communication with a client for professionals. Made of a durable material suitable for steam sterilization may be used during surgical operations as a reference point and as a form of “navigation” for a doctor.

Effects

Anatomical model facilitates education of a client whose animal suffers from Cauda Equina Syndrome. The model presents the anatomical structures in a legible way even for a layperson, thus the owner of the animal may make an informed and conscious decision on the further treatment. The model is a far better solution than presenting results of an X-ray or CT examination, which reading is nearly impossible for a layperson.