Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Common cervical spine surgery issues in pets
By Tomlinson, J·Published in Seminars in veterinary medicine and surgery (small animal)·1996·Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Surgical conditions of the cervical spine.
Plain-English summary
This article looks at four common surgical problems that can affect the cervical spine (the neck area of the spine) in pets, aside from broken bones. These issues include atlantoaxial instability (a condition where the first two neck vertebrae are unstable), cervical disc disease (problems with the discs between the vertebrae), caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy (a spinal cord disease affecting the lower neck), and spinal cord tumors. For each condition, the article discusses the typical signs seen in pets, their medical history, neurological exams, possible other conditions that could be confused with them, necessary tests, treatment options, care after surgery, and the expected outcomes. Overall, it provides a comprehensive overview of these serious conditions and how they can be managed.
Abstract
This article reviews the four most common surgical conditions of the cervical spinal cord other than vertebral fractures including atlantoaxial instability, cervical disc disease, caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy, and spinal cord tumors. Each disease is reviewed by signalment, history, neurological examination, differential diagnosis, pertinent diagnostic testing, treatment, postoperative care, and prognosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9020576/