Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>Introduction The Schiff-Sherrington posture indicates an acute, severe thoracolumbar (T3–L3) spinal cord lesion, causing thoracic-limb extensor hypertonia while sparing conscious proprioception. Conversely, central cord syndrome (CCS) in dogs arises from a cervical spinal cord lesion and is characterized by thoracic-limb-predominant proprioceptive deficits. Because these two syndromes originate from anatomically distinct spinal cord segments, they are typically evaluated independently. This report describes an unusual concurrent presentation of both syndromes in a single patient. Case description A 10-year-old spayed female Miniature Pinscher presented with acute loss of ambulatory function following a fall. Neurological examination revealed non-ambulatory tetraparesis, a Schiff-Sherrington posture, absent thoracic-limb conscious proprioception with intact spinal reflexes, and reduced pelvic-limb proprioception. The proprioceptive deficits localized primarily to the C1–C5 spinal cord segments, whereas the severe thoracic-limb extensor hypertonia and pelvic-limb signs indicated concurrent thoracolumbar involvement. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) identified multifocal degenerative cervical (C2–C5) and thoracolumbar (T12–L1) disc herniations. However, the mild-to-moderate spinal cord compression was markedly disproportionate to the severity of the neurological deficits. The patient was managed conservatively and regained independent ambulation by day 9. Conclusions The concurrent presentation of a Schiff-Sherrington posture and CCS-like signs is rare and presents a significant diagnostic challenge. In such cases, thoracic-limb proprioceptive deficits should be recognized as genuine cervical involvement rather than positional rigidity. This case highlights the importance of a thorough neurological examination in guiding clinical decision-making, particularly when the severity of the clinical signs is disproportionate to structural MRI findings. It also suggests that severe multifocal neurological deficits do not necessarily indicate a poor prognosis; rapid recovery is possible with conservative management when MRI abnormalities are mild, raising the possibility of a functional concussive injury.</p>