Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Spinal surgery outcomes in pugs and French bulldogs with back
By Violini, Francesca et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2024·Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service (part of Linnaeus Veterinary Limited), United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Clinical outcomes of 20 brachycephalic dogs with thoracolumbar spinal deformities causing neurological signs treated with spinal stabilization using 3D-printed patient-specific drill guides.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 20 pugs and French bulldogs with spinal deformities causing neurological problems underwent spinal stabilization surgery using advanced 3D-printed guides. After the surgery, most dogs showed either no change or some improvement in their ability to walk and move, with no immediate complications reported. At follow-up, many owners noted that their pets were still able to walk, although some had unusual gaits. Overall, the surgery appeared to help these dogs maintain or improve their neurological function over time.
People also search for: pug spinal surgery recovery · French bulldog neurological problems · dog spinal stabilization surgery · brachycephalic dog spine issues · abnormal gait in dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical outcomes for pugs and French bulldogs with congenital vertebral malformations, undergoing thoracolumbar spinal stabilization surgery using 3D-printed patient-specific drill guides. To evaluate the accuracy of pedicle screw placement in this group of dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective descriptive study. ANIMALS: Twenty dogs (12 pugs and eight French bulldogs). METHODS: Medical records searched between August 2018 and March 2021 for pugs and French bulldogs diagnosed with congenital vertebral abnormalities via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and computed tomography (CT) scan causing T3-L3 myelopathy signs that underwent spinal stabilization surgery using 3D-printed patient-specific drill guides followed by a postoperative CT scan. The short-term outcome was based on the neurological grade (modified Frankel score-MFS) on the day after surgery, day of discharge, and at the follow-up examination at 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. The mid-term outcome was obtained via an online questionnaire (or direct examination in one case). RESULTS: Twenty dogs met the inclusion criteria (19/20 grade 2 MFS, 1/20 grade 4 MFS). No complications were reported in the immediate postoperative period and optimal pedicle screw placement was obtained in 169/201 of screws. Twenty-four hours after surgery 16/20 dogs displayed an unchanged neurological grade. Short-term outcomes revealed a static (17/20) or improved (2/20) neurological grade. Ten owners participated in the online questionnaire. All patients were reported to be ambulatory; however, 7/10 dogs displayed abnormal gait. Neurological signs had remained static (6/10) or improved (3/10) in comparison with the dogs' preoperative status at a median of 883.5 days from the surgery. CONCLUSION: Dogs in this study had a favorable short-term outcome and mid-term outcome evaluation revealed a static/improved neurological status. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Thoracolumbar spinal stabilization surgery using 3D-printed patient-specific drill guides showed a favorable outcome in brachycephalic breeds affected by vertebral deformities.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38532254/