Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Surgical fusion with locking plate helps dogs with cervical spine
By Bergman, Robert L et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2008·Carolina Veterinary Specialists Medical Center, United States·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Cervical spinal locking plate in combination with cortical ring allograft for a one level fusion in dogs with cervical spondylotic myelopathy.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), a condition affecting the neck that can cause weakness and pain, underwent a specialized surgery using a spinal locking plate and a bone graft. Out of ten dogs treated, nine survived the surgery, and seven showed significant improvement over an average follow-up of about two and a half years. While some dogs experienced minor complications like screw loosening, these did not require further surgery. Overall, this surgical approach proved effective for treating CSM in dogs, although the cost and the need for adjustments for canine anatomy were noted as challenges.
People also search for: dog neck pain treatment · cervical spondylotic myelopathy in dogs · spinal surgery for dogs · dog surgery recovery time
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate use of a surgical technique commonly used in humans for treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) in dogs. DESIGN: Prospective case series. ANIMALS: Dogs with CSM (n=10). METHODS: Dogs weighing >30 kg that had CSM at 1 vertebral articulation were eligible for inclusion. Dogs had vertebral column distraction/fusion performed using a cortical ring allograft, cancellous autograft, and a spinal locking plate. Dogs were evaluated temporally by repeat neurological examinations and by client perception of postsurgical outcome, determined by telephone interview. RESULTS: Nine dogs survived the immediate postoperative period. Seven of 8 dogs had moderate to complete improvement without recurrence (mean follow-up, 2.48 years). The most common postsurgical complications were screw loosening (n=4) and plate shifting (2), neither of which required surgical revision. One dog had pseudoarthrosis that may have negatively impacted outcome. CONCLUSION: Treatment of single level CSM in dogs with ring allograft and a spinal locking plate system may lead to successful outcomes. The major problems encountered with included cost of the implants and adjusting the system designed for humans to fit the vertebral column of a dog. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: For dogs with CSM at a single level, the use of a spinal locking plate in combination with a cortical ring allograft can be an effective surgical treatment. Costs of the implants as well as anatomic differences in dogs make this type of surgery less appealing.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19134102/