Balloon Compression Spinal Cord Injury in Animal Model Using Canine and Capra

Purpose: This study aims to observe the feasibility of canines and capra as large animal models for the use in SCI in vivo research. Components observed in this study include daily activity, and neurological function. Methods: This research incorporated the use of goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) and dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) as the animal model of choice due to similarities in spine and vertebral structures with humans. To stimulate SCI in animals, ballooning compression was done in animals to mimic the compression-stimulated SCI common in human. Results: The induction procedure was successfully done in all animals. Directly following the induction procedure, motoric and sensory functions were absent in all dogs and goats. Decreased physical activity was observed in goats. Compromised urinary function was observed in both goats and dogs. Both animals retained defecation function. Inflammation, hemorrhaging, and necrosis was observed in histopathological investigations. Conclusion: In our observations, the dog animal model was found to be more suitable for the use in SCI studies. The dog animal model was found to give more consistent findings, easier observations, and similar neurological and histopathological findings as that of SCI in humans.