Quiz: Ventilation & c-spine disease
What percentage of dogs with cervical spinal cord disease have hypoventilation? (click question to see answer)
According to one study, approximately 5% of dogs that underwent surgery for cervical spinal cord disease had sufficient hypoventilation to require positive pressure ventilation.
Source:
Beal MW, Puglia DT, Griffin GM, et al. Ventilatory failure, ventilator management, and outcome in dogs with cervical spinal disorders: 14 cases (1991–1999). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2001;218:1598–1602.
What are the 2 primary nerves responsible for breathing?
The two primary nerves responsible for breathing are:
- Phrenic nerve: The phrenic nerve arises from C5-7 and supplies the diaphragm.
- Intercostal nerves: These somatic nerves arise at each level of the thoracic spinal cord and supply the intercostal muscles.
