Autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell transplant and surgical decompression in a dog with chronic spinal cord injury.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: In dogs with deep analgesia caused by acute spinal cord injury from thoracolumbar disk herniation, autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell transplant may improve recovery. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell transplant in a dog that had paraplegia and deep analgesia caused by chronic spinal cord injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell transplant was performed in a dog having paraplegia and analgesia for 3 years that was caused by a chronic spinal cord injury secondary to Hansen type I thoracolumbar disk herniation. Functional recovery was evaluated with electrophysiologic studies and the Texas Spinal Cord Injury Scale. RESULTS: Somatosensory evoked potentials were absent before transplant but were detected after transplant. Functional improvement was noted (Texas Spinal Cord Injury Scale: before transplant, 0; after transplant, 6). No adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell transplant into the subarachnoid space may be a safe and beneficial treatment for chronic spinal cord injury in dogs.