Surgery options for spine birth defects in brachycephalic dogs

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To compare three surgical techniques used for treating canine congenital thoracic vertebral body malformations and describe their complications and postoperative outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective multicentre study analysed data on signalment, preoperative and postoperative neurological status, surgical techniques, complications, and long-term outcomes using descriptive analysis across four referral centres. RESULTS: The study included 51 brachycephalic dogs (median age: 14.2 months) with clinical signs consistent with T3 to L3 myelopathy, from mild paraparesis and ataxia to paraplegia without nociception. The vertebral segment located between T7 and T9 was commonly affected. The mean duration of long-term follow-up was 825 days. Transthoracic vertebral distraction and stabilisation performed in 34 dogs exhibited notable long-term improvements in their neurological status; 28 (82%) of the 34 dogs became neurologically normal. Major implant-related complications were observed in three cases, with two requiring a second surgery leading to neurological improvement. Preoperative and postoperative vertebral canal angle and Cobb's angle measurements indicated variable degrees of surgical distraction. Dorsal laminectomy was performed in 11 dogs; of these, nine (81%) experienced immediate postoperative deterioration. In the long term, only two dogs achieved normal neurological status, and one with acute deterioration was euthanased. Laminectomy with dorsal vertebral stabilisation was performed in six dogs, with initial deterioration observed in five (83%) of the six dogs. In the long term, all but one dog remained ambulatory paraparetic. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Dogs treated with spinal stabilisation techniques exhibited better outcomes. Specifically, the transthoracic distraction stabilisation technique appears to exhibit the most favourable short- and long-term outcomes.