http://revistas.bvs-vet.org.br/avb/article/view/31177/34796
Vinicius Gonzalez Peres Albernaz1 , Isabella de Almeida Fabris , Bruna Ribeiro Paiva , Jeniffer Gabriela Figueroa Coris , Juliany Gomes Quitzan
The Schiff-Sherrington phenomenon is an extensor hypertonicity of the forelimbs that occurs
when there is a severe injury in the thoracolumbar segment. A 4-years-old, intact female, mixed breed dog,
presented with vehicle trauma history followed by non-ambulatory paraparesis, extensor rigidity of forelimb and
allodynia pain sensation. Superficial pain sensation was decreased. The treatment was based on unique dose of
dexamethasone followed by oral administration of meloxicam, tramadol hydrochloride, dypirone, omeprazole
and, poly vitamin complex. Low field magnetic resonance image (MRI) showed hyperintensity signal between
T12 and T13 on T2-wheighting image compatible with neuronal edema. In the day after, allodynia and extensor
rigidity presented spontaneously resolution. At 10th day, return to voluntary ambulation without assistance.
Schiff-Sherrington posture is usually associated with poor prognosis and grade V traumatic injury of the
thoracolumbar spinal cord. We report a grade III traumatic spinal cord injury confirmed with MRI as only
neuronal edema causing the posture. The Schiff-Sherrington posture often resolves spontaneously in 10-14 days,
but neurological signs of trauma can persist. The conservative treatment proposed was efficient, promoting
forelimb recovery on the day after and total recovery of motor function in 10 days
