PMC5482170_01
Image of Becky demonstrating evidence of gait disturbance
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F1
A captive, 450 kg, 24-year-old female polar bear, "Becky," was noted to be listless, have decreased ambulation, and experiencing particular difficulty with hind leg function [Figure 1].
X-ray image of lumbar spine post contrast injection showing disruption of dorsal flow of contrast material and demonstrating impingement of the spinal cord
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F2
Diagnostic Inc., Milan, Italy) via an 18-gauge, 6.5-inch discogram needle at the L7-S1 interspinous level demonstrated significant spinal stenosis at L5/6 on lateral X-ray [Figure 2]. During the procedure, the spinal needle was advanced slowly until cerebrospinal fluid egress was noted and it was felt that contrast material could be safely injected into the subdural space without injuring the spinal cord.
(a) Wide clipping and skin preparation for surgery. (b) Exposure of the L4 - 7 levels
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F3
Fur at the surgical site was clipped and the wound was prepared and draped in usual sterile fashion [Figure 3a]. A large, midline incision was made over the L3/L4/L5/L6/L7/S1 region [Figure 3b].
Postoperative image of Becky showing improvement of standing and gait
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F4
Over the course of the next week, she returned to ambulation with apparent full strength and started to eat, behave more normally, and gain weight [Figure 4].