Contracture‐like fixed abnormal pelvic limb posture as a complication in intervertebral disc extrusion in two French bulldogs

Abstract

Two young French bulldogs presented with acute paraplegia caused by thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion and underwent surgical decompression. Both dogs showed early postoperative neurological improvement, including return of voluntary pelvic limb movement, but within 3–6 weeks developed progressive pelvic limb discomfort and a persistent rigid abnormal posture characterised by bilateral pelvic limb abduction and hip flexion, with additional stifle and tarsal extension in one case. Orthopaedic examination did not identify abnormalities, although advanced musculoskeletal diagnostics were not performed. Physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, analgesia and muscle relaxants were instituted, but neither dog improved once the posture became established. This is the first report of a delayed‐onset contracture‐like fixed abnormal pelvic limb posture following acute spinal cord injury in dogs. Although uncommon, this complication should be considered in dogs developing progressive pelvic limb discomfort and abnormal posture despite initial postoperative neurological improvement.