Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Surgery outcomes for spinal malformation causing back paralysis
By Couto, Francisca et al.·Published in Frontiers in veterinary science·2024·Lumbry Park Veterinary Specialists, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Surgical management of single-level thoracolumbar vertebral body segmentation and formation failure causing progressive thoracolumbar myelopathy in three adult large-breed dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Three large-breed dogs were brought in for worsening mobility issues due to spinal cord problems caused by congenital vertebral malformations. After thorough imaging, the veterinarians performed surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and stabilize the affected area. While two of the dogs experienced temporary setbacks after surgery, all three showed significant improvement over the following months and were able to walk again, although they still had mild weakness in their back legs. The surgery was deemed successful in helping these dogs regain their mobility.
People also search for: dog spinal surgery recovery · large breed dog mobility issues · congenital vertebral malformation treatment
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the medium-term outcome following spinal cord decompression and instrumented fixation of single-level congenital thoracolumbar vertebral malformations, characterized by combined failures of segmentation and formation, causing thoracolumbar myelopathy in three large-breed dogs. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective clinical study. ANIMALS: The animals involved in the study were three large-breed dogs. METHODS: Electronic patient records were retrospectively reviewed for adult large-breed dogs (>1 year) (>25 kg) with thoracolumbar myelopathy and a radiologic diagnosis of spinal cord compression associated with thoracolumbar vertebral malformation. The examination, diagnostic imaging, surgical management, and outcomes are described. The medium-term outcome was determined based on the neurological examination and follow-up imaging studies conducted up to 12 months post-operation. RESULTS: Three large-breed dogs were identified, presenting with progressive, non-painful T3-L3 spinal cord segment disease. Diagnosis was made using MRI and CT, which revealed single-level complex congenital vertebral malformation with combined failures of segmentation and formation in the T8-L1 region. Surgical management consisted of ventral cord decompression by bilateral mini-hemilaminectomy and partial corpectomy and vertebral fixation. Temporary postoperative neurological deterioration was observed in two cases. Follow-up was conducted at 6 weeks (examination) and 3 (examination), 6, and 12 months (examination and CT) postoperatively, and improved neurological function was confirmed, with all cases being ambulatory with persistent, mild paraparesis. CONCLUSION: This retrospective study demonstrates the successful medium-term outcome following surgical management of complex thoracolumbar vertebral malformations in large-breed dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39840342/