Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
CT scan shows changes after vertebral blocking surgery for dog back
By Müller, Friedrich et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2017·Tierklink Lü, Germany·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Short-term and long-term effects of a minimally invasive transilial vertebral blocking procedure on the lumbosacral morphometry in dogs measured by computed tomography.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 59 dogs with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (a condition affecting the lower back) underwent a minimally invasive procedure called transilial vertebral blocking (MTV) to relieve their symptoms. After the procedure, CT scans showed significant improvements in the space around the spinal nerves, which can help reduce pain and discomfort. One year later, all dogs that were followed up showed at least some improvement in their neurological function, with many experiencing significant recovery. This suggests that MTV could be an effective treatment option for dogs suffering from this condition.
People also search for: dog back pain treatment · minimally invasive surgery for dog back problems · degenerative lumbosacral stenosis in dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of a minimally invasive transilial vertebral (MTV) blocking procedure on the computed tomographic (CT) appearance of the lumbosacral (L7/S1) junction of dogs with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLSS). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 59 client-owned dogs with DLSS. METHODS: Lumbosacral CT images were acquired with hyperextended pelvic limbs before and after MTV in all dogs. Clinical follow-up was obtained after 1 year, including a neurologic status classified in 4 grades, and if possible, CT. Morphometric measurements (Mean ± SEM) including foraminal area, endplate distance at L7/S1 and LS angle were obtained on sets of reformatted parasagittal and sagittal CT images. RESULTS: The mean foraminal area (ForL) increased from 32.5 ± 1.7 mmto 59.7 ± 1.9 mmon the left and from 31.1 ± 1.4 mmto 59.1 ± 2.0 mmon the right (ForR) side after MTV. The mean endplate distance (EDmd) between L7/S1 increased from 3.7 ± 0.1 mm to 6.0 ± 0.1 mm, and mean lumbosacral angle (LSa) from 148.0 ± 1.1° to 170.0 ± 1.1° after MTV. CT measurements were available 1 year postoperatively in 12 cases: ForL: 41.2 ± 3.1 mm; ForR: 37.9 ± 3.1 mm; EDmd: 4.3 ± 0.4 mm, and LSa 157.6 ± 2.1° (values are mean and standard error of mean =  SEM). All 39 dogs with long-term follow-up improved by at least 1 neurologic grade, 9/39 improving by 3 grades, 15/39 by 2 grades, and 15/39 by 1 grade. CONCLUSIONS: MTV results in clinical improvement and morphometric enlargement of the foraminal area in dogs with variable degrees of foraminal stenosis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: MTV may be a valuable minimally invasive option for treatment of dogs with DLSS.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28314063/