Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious neurologic emergency in dogs, often caused by sudden disc herniation. Despite emergency surgery, some dogs remain permanently paralyzed , making it difficult for veterinarians to predict outcomes and advise pet owners. This unpredictability is especially challenging in dogs who have lost deep pain sensation in their hind limbs, a group with the most severe injuries.
SCI commonly affects chondrodystrophic breeds like Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, and Corgis, but any dog can be affected. The goal of this project is to validate a new set of blood-based biomarkers, called microRNAs, that may help predict recovery potential at the time of injury.
By confirming these biomarkers in a larger group of dogs with severe SCI, this study could lead to the development of a simple, non-invasive blood test. This tool would improve early clinical decision-making and support future research into more effective treatments for canine SCI.