Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
MRI results after back surgery in dogs with ongoing nerve problems
By Peschard, Anne-Lorraine et al.·Published in Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association·2023·Department of Veterinary Medicine, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Follow-up MRI appearance of the surgical site in dogs treated for thoracolumbar intervertebral disc herniation and showing ongoing or recurrent neurological symptoms.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A Dachshund that had surgery for a herniated disc in its back was brought back to the vet due to ongoing neurological symptoms. An MRI was performed to check the surgical site, revealing that some dogs can experience spinal cord compression from leftover disc material or other complications after surgery. In this case, the MRI helped identify the issue, which is important for deciding if more surgery is needed. The study suggests that MRI is a useful tool for monitoring dogs after disc surgery to ensure they are healing properly.
People also search for: Dachshund back surgery recovery · dog herniated disc symptoms · MRI for dog spinal issues
Abstract
Reherniation and reoperation rates of 4.5%-36% are reported in canine patients treated for intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH). Decision-making for surgical reintervention can prove challenging, especially since common postoperative changes are poorly described on MRI. The purpose of this single-center, retrospective, descriptive study was to describe the MRI characteristics of the surgical site in dogs treated for thoracolumbar IVDH and presenting for ongoing or recurrent neurological signs. Twenty-one patients were included for a total of 42 MRI studies. Chondrodystrophic breeds, specifically Dachshunds, were overrepresented. Mean number of days between surgery and second MRI was 335 (range 2-1367). Metallic susceptibility artifacts were seen in seven of 21 cases (33%), but these were limited in extent, spanning on average 1.3 vertebral bodies. In 11 cases, spinal cord compression suspected to be clinically significant was found at the surgical site; the extradural compressive material consisted of intervertebral disc material only, or a combination of intervertebral disc material and hematoma or inflammatory changes in 10 cases, and a displaced articular process and fibrous tissue in one case. The latter is a newly described complication of mini-hemilaminectomies. Paravertebral soft tissue changes and vertebral new bone formation varied according to the postoperative stage at which the patients were imaged. The results of this study supported the use of MRI as a diagnostic modality for spinal imaging following IVDH surgery, and showed that the presence of extradural disc material at a spinal surgical site is common along with various vertebral and paravertebral changes.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35960135/