Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Distraction-fusion surgery results in 14 dogs with neck spinal disease
By Steffen, Frank et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2011·Vetsuisse Faculty of the University of Zurich·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 We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above.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: Distraction-fusion for caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy using an intervertebral cage and locking plates in 14 dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 14 large breed dogs with neck problems caused by caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy (CCSM) underwent surgery to help stabilize their cervical spine. The procedure involved placing an intervertebral cage filled with bone graft and securing it with locking plates. After a year, most dogs showed improvement, with five rated as excellent and one as good, while a couple had ongoing issues. Overall, the surgery was well tolerated, and the implants remained stable, indicating that this treatment can be effective for dogs with this condition.
People also search for: dog neck pain surgery · cervical spondylomyelopathy treatment dogs · large breed dog spine surgery
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical and radiographic outcome in dogs with caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy (CCSM) treated with an intervertebral fusion cage and locking plates. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Large breed dogs (n=14) with CCSM. METHODS: Dogs had single level cervical spine distraction/fusion performed using an intervertebral cage with a hollow center filled with cancellous autograft and 2 ventrally applied locking plates. Outcome was measured using neurologic scores and radiographic interpretation 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The surgical procedure was well tolerated in all dogs. Final outcome at 12 months was available in 9 dogs. Five dogs were judged excellent, 1 dog was good, 2 dogs were satisfactory, and 2 dogs were poor because of adjacent segment disease. Four dogs died for reasons unrelated to the procedure. Radiographically, implants remained stable over the entire follow-up period. The disc space continued to fill with an immature pattern of new bone, which showed progressive increase in opacity and quantity. Subsidence of the cage (median 2 m) was detected in 9 dogs at 6 weeks and remained unchanged in those that could be followed further. CONCLUSION: Distraction-fusion of single level CCSM in dogs with a combination of intervertebral cage and ventral locking plates is clinically effective and results in successful bony fusion.
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/21770976/