Imaging findings and surgical treatment of hemivertebrae in three dogs

Nicholas D. Jeffery Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0ES, England.

Search for other papers by Nicholas D. Jeffery in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 BVSc, PhD
,
Peter M. Smith Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0ES, England.

Search for other papers by Peter M. Smith in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 BVM&S, PhD
, and
Catherine E. Talbot Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0ES, England.

Search for other papers by Catherine E. Talbot in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 VetMB

Abstract

Case Description—3 immature screw-tailed dogs were evaluated because of progressive pelvic limb paraparesis.

Clinical Findings—Each dog had marked ataxia and paresis of the pelvic limbs and a palpable deformity of the midthoracic portion of the vertebral column. Pain perception in the pelvic limbs was considered normal, and there was no evidence of fecal or urinary incontinence in any of the 3 dogs. Radiography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed hemivertebrae with severe dorsoventral stenosis of the vertebral canal resulting in spinal cord compression in 2 dogs and lateral compression in the other.

Treatment and Outcome—Each dog underwent decompressive surgery consisting of dorsal laminectomy or hemilaminectomy and vertebral stabilization by use of combinations of Kirschner wires or threaded external fixator pins plus polymethylmethacrylate bone cement. All dogs regained strong locomotor function with minimal residual pelvic limb ataxia.

Clinical Relevance—Little detailed information regarding surgical treatment of hemivertebrae in dogs is available; results of treatment in these 3 dogs suggest that spinal cord decompression and stabilization of the vertebral column can achieve a satisfactory, functional outcome.

Abstract

Case Description—3 immature screw-tailed dogs were evaluated because of progressive pelvic limb paraparesis.

Clinical Findings—Each dog had marked ataxia and paresis of the pelvic limbs and a palpable deformity of the midthoracic portion of the vertebral column. Pain perception in the pelvic limbs was considered normal, and there was no evidence of fecal or urinary incontinence in any of the 3 dogs. Radiography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed hemivertebrae with severe dorsoventral stenosis of the vertebral canal resulting in spinal cord compression in 2 dogs and lateral compression in the other.

Treatment and Outcome—Each dog underwent decompressive surgery consisting of dorsal laminectomy or hemilaminectomy and vertebral stabilization by use of combinations of Kirschner wires or threaded external fixator pins plus polymethylmethacrylate bone cement. All dogs regained strong locomotor function with minimal residual pelvic limb ataxia.

Clinical Relevance—Little detailed information regarding surgical treatment of hemivertebrae in dogs is available; results of treatment in these 3 dogs suggest that spinal cord decompression and stabilization of the vertebral column can achieve a satisfactory, functional outcome.

All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 560 0 0
Full Text Views 2294 1666 124
PDF Downloads 1122 671 44
Advertisement