Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Risk factors for disk herniation return after back surgery in dogs
By Mayhew, Philipp D et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2004·Department of Clinical Studies, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Risk factors for recurrence of clinical signs associated with thoracolumbar intervertebral disk herniation in dogs: 229 cases (1994-2000).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 229 dogs that had surgery for intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) were monitored to see how many developed symptoms again after their operation. About 19% of these dogs showed signs of recurrence, especially Dachshunds, with a 25% recurrence rate. Most recurrences happened within three years of surgery, and the risk increased significantly with the number of affected disks—dogs with five or six affected disks had a 50% chance of symptoms returning. This suggests that dogs with multiple affected disks are at a higher risk for future problems after surgery.
People also search for: dog back surgery recovery · Dachshund IVDD symptoms · intervertebral disk disease recurrence in dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess risk factors for recurrence of clinical signs associated with thoracolumbar intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) in dogs that had decompressive laminectomy without attempted prophylactic treatment of other disk spaces. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 229 dogs. PROCEDURE: Medical records of dogs that had decompressive laminectomy without prophylactic fenestration for a first episode of IVDD and were available for follow-up were reviewed. Information on 7 clinical and 8 radiographic potential risk factors were recorded. RESULTS: Clinical signs associated with recurrence of IVDD developed in 44 (19.2%) dogs. Ninety-six percent of recurrences developed within 3 years after surgery. Recurrence developed in 25% of Dachshunds and 15% of dogs of other breeds combined. Number of opacified disks was a significant risk factor for recurrence. Risk increased with number of opacified disks in an almost linear manner; each opacified disk increased risk by 1.4 times. Dogs with 5 or 6 opacified disks at the time of first surgery had a recurrence rate of 50%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: When all likely episodes of recurrence are considered and a long follow-up period is achieved, true rate of recurrence of IVDD appears to be higher than in many previous reports. Dogs with multiple opacified disks at the time of first surgery should be considered a high-risk subpopulation.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15521446/