Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Surgery to fix spine malformations in 10 dogs and their outcomes
By Farré Mariné, Alba et al.·Published in Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T·2021·Aú, Spain·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Transthoracic Vertebral Distraction and Stabilization in 10 Dogs with Congenital Thoracic Vertebral Malformations.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Ten dogs with congenital thoracic vertebral malformations (CTVBM) underwent surgery to correct their spinal issues, which were causing mobility problems. After the procedure, most of the dogs showed significant improvement in their ability to walk and overall neurological function. Seven of the dogs fully regained their mobility, and the remaining dogs also experienced positive changes. Unfortunately, one dog suffered a cardiac arrest shortly after surgery and did not survive. Overall, the surgical technique used was effective, leading to long-term improvements for the majority of the dogs involved.
People also search for: dog spinal surgery recovery · congenital spine problems in dogs · dog mobility issues treatment
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:  The aim of this study was to describe the surgical technique and outcomes of dogs with congenital thoracic vertebral body malformations (CTVBM) treated with unilateral vertebral distraction and stabilization with monocortical screws and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). STUDY DESIGN:  Medical records of 10 client-owned dogs with CTVBM were retrospectively searched for signalment, history, neurological examination, neurological grade based on the modified Frankel scale (MFS), diagnostic method, CTVBM location, Cobb's angle, and vertebral canal angle (VCA), surgical procedure, complications and long-term follow-up. RESULTS:  One dog suffered cardiac arrest 24 hours post-surgery and died. Median follow-up in nine dogs was 26.5 months (12-50 months). Cobb's angle improved from 33-83 to 10-46 degrees and the VCA ratio from 97-138 to 122-164 degrees. The MFS improved from 3 ( = 3)-4 ( = 7) to 4 ( = 2)-6 ( = 7). Seven dogs recovered full function. Nine dogs improved after surgery compared with preoperative status, recovering ambulation when lost or achieving normal neurological examination in seven cases. No complications were reported during the follow-up period (12-50 months). CONCLUSION:  Unilateral transthoracic vertebral distraction and stabilization with monocortical screws and PMMA for treatment of compressive myelopathy due to CTVBM achieved long-term neurological improvement in 9 of 10 dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34293809/