Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with degenerative lower back pain treated by temporary spine
By Willems, Nicole et al.·Published in Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T·2018·Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Netherlands·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Temporary Segmental Distraction in a Dog with Degenerative Lumbosacral Stenosis.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old Greyhound was treated for lower back pain caused by degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLSS), a condition where the spinal canal narrows and puts pressure on the nerves. The vet performed a procedure using temporary screws and rods to distract the lumbosacral junction, which helped relieve the dog's symptoms. After the device was removed, the dog showed improvement and maintained its disc height over the following months. This treatment was found to be safe and effective, allowing the dog to regain better mobility and comfort.
People also search for: dog back pain treatment · Greyhound degenerative lumbosacral stenosis · temporary distraction for dog spine issues
Abstract
OBJECTIVES:  Degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLSS) is characterized by intervertebral disc degeneration and causes lower back pain in dogs. Temporary distraction in rabbit models with induced intervertebral disc degeneration showed signs of intervertebral disc repair. In the present study, we assessed safety and efficacy of temporary segmental distraction in a dog with clinical signs of DLSS. METHODS:  Distraction of the lumbosacral junction by pedicle screw-rod fixation was applied in a 5-year-old Greyhound with DLSS and evaluated by radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and force plate analysis before and after distraction. RESULTS:  Safe distraction of the lumbosacral junction was demonstrated, with improvement of clinical signs after removal of the distraction device. Signal intensity of the intervertebral disc showed no changes over time. T2 value was highest directly after removal of the distraction device but decreased by 10% of the preoperative value at 9 months of follow-up. Disc height decreased (8%) immediately after removal of the distraction device, but recovered to the initial value. A decrease in the pelvic/thoracic propulsive force during pedicle screw-rod fixation and distraction was demonstrated, which slowly increased by 4% compared with the initial value. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:  Temporary pedicle screw-rod fixation in combination with distraction in a dog with DLSS was safe, improved clinical signs and retained disc height at 9 months of follow-up.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29859511/