Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Effectiveness of neck surgery for two types of disc disease in dogs
By Schmied, Oliver et al.·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2011·Clinic for Small Animal Surgery/Neurology·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Effectiveness of cervical hemilaminectomy in canine Hansen Type I and Type II disc disease: a retrospective study.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 41 dogs with neck problems caused by intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) underwent surgery called hemilaminectomy to relieve their symptoms. Many of these dogs showed signs like weakness or difficulty walking. After the surgery, about 88% of the dogs improved, with nearly all small breed dogs and those with a specific type of disc issue (Hansen Type I) recovering well. However, some larger dogs with a different type of disc issue (Hansen Type II) did not see as much improvement. Overall, the surgery was quite effective, especially for smaller dogs and those with Hansen Type I disc disease.
People also search for: dog neck pain surgery · IVDD treatment in dogs · small breed dog disc disease recovery
Abstract
Medical records of 41 dogs, including 15 small breed dogs (<15 kg) and 26 large breed dogs (>15 kg), with cervical intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) that underwent a hemilaminectomy were reviewed. Dogs were diagnosed using myelography, computed tomography/myelography, or MRI, and dogs were classified as having either Hansen Type I disc extrusion or Hansen Type II disc protrusion located ventrally, ventrolaterally, or laterally within the cervical spinal canal. The most common clinical presentation was ambulatory tetraparesis and/or lameness (44%). The most affected sites for cervical IVDD were between the sixth and seventh cervical vertebrae (C6-C7; 78% of Hansen Type II discs) and C2-C3 (86% of Hansen Type I discs). Treatment was effective in 88% of dogs. Five large breed dogs (12%) did not improve. In dogs with a Hansen Type I disc extrusion, clinical signs improved in 96% of the cases. In dogs with a Hansen Type II disc protrusion, an excellent and good outcome was seen in 47% and 32% of cases, respectively. Outcome was significantly better for small breed dogs and dogs with Hansen Type I disc disease compared with large breed dogs and dogs with Hansen Type II disc disease.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21852506/