Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2009; 22(01): 63-65
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-08-01-0002
Case Report
Schattauer GmbH

Surgical removal of a microchip from a puppy’s spinal canal

T. J. Smith
1   Fitzpatrick Referrals, Eashing, Surrey, UK
,
N. Fitzpatrick
1   Fitzpatrick Referrals, Eashing, Surrey, UK
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 05 January 2008

Accepted: 01 March 2008

Publication Date:
17 December 2017 (online)

Summary

A 1.6 kg, six-week-old Tibetan Terrier was admitted with a 12-hours history of acute onset of progressive tetraparesis following insertion of a microchip to the dorsal cervical region. Neurological examination indicated a lesion to the Ce1 to Ce5 spinal cord segments. Radiographic examination confirmed the intra-spinal location of a microchip foreign body at the level of the second cervical vertebra. Microchip removal was achieved following dorsal hemi-laminectomy; significant intra-operative haemorrhage was encountered. The puppy was ambulatory at day seven. Follow-up telephone interview 18 months postoperatively confirmed that the patient had made a good recovery although it had a mild residual right- sided torticollis.

 
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