Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Bull mastiff dog with brain air buildup after craniotomy surgery
By Cavanaugh, R P et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2008·Department of Small Animal Surgery, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Intraventricular tension pneumocephalus and cervical subarachnoid pneumorrhachis in a bull mastiff dog after craniotomy.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
An 8-year-old bull mastiff developed serious neurological problems and neck pain shortly after having surgery to remove a brain tumor. Imaging tests showed that air had built up in the brain and spinal area, which can be very dangerous. The veterinarian repaired the issue with a special synthetic material, and over time, the dog's symptoms improved. Thankfully, the tumor did not grow back, and with prompt treatment, the dog was able to recover well.
People also search for: bull mastiff neurological problems after surgery · dog brain surgery complications · treatment for air in dog spine
Abstract
An eight-year-old bull mastiff dog underwent a craniotomy for surgical excision of an olfactory lobe meningioma. Rapidly progressive neurological deficits with cervical pain developed within the early postoperative period. Intraventricular and cervical subarachnoid space air accumulation (pneumorrhachis) was identified through magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. Repair of a dural defect using synthetic dura substitute resulted in gradual resolution of neurological signs attributable to the tension pneumocephalus and subarachnoid space pneumorrhachis. Regrowth of the meningioma was not observed. Postoperative intraventricular tension pneumocephalus and air accumulation within subarachnoid space are uncommon but life-threatening complications of intracranial surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment can result in a satisfactory outcome.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18373545/