Short-Term Clinical and Radiographical Outcome after Application of Anchored Intervertebral Spacers in Dogs with Disc-Associated Cervical Spondylomyelopathy

Deborah Rohner; Michael P. Kowaleski; Günter Schwarz; Franck Forterre

doi:10.1055/s-0038-1676592

Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Table of Contents

Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2019; 32(02): 158-164
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1676592

Clinical Communication

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Short-Term Clinical and Radiographical Outcome after Application of Anchored Intervertebral Spacers in Dogs with Disc-Associated Cervical Spondylomyelopathy

Deborah Rohner

¹Division of Small Animal Surgery, Department Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, Bern, Switzerland

,

Michael P. Kowaleski

²Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States

,

Günter Schwarz

³Tierklinik Hollabrunn, Hollabrunn, Austria

,

Franck Forterre

¹Division of Small Animal Surgery, Department Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, Bern, Switzerland

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess the short-term outcome of a new intervertebral anchored fusion device (C-LOX) for the treatment of disc associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (DA-CSM) in dogs, based on clinical and radiographical follow-up data.

Materials and Methods To be included in the study, dogs had to be clinically affected by DA-CSM treated with surgical distraction/stabilization using the anchored intervertebral spacer (C-LOX). Neurological signs, as well as diagnostic imaging performed pre-, immediately postoperatively, and after 6 weeks and 3 months were assessed. If available, clinical follow-up after 3 months was documented.

Results Thirty-seven cases were enrolled in the study. Outcome at 3 months was available in 25 dogs; improvement of neurological status was documented in 25/25 cases.

The most common postoperative complication was screw loosening and/or breakage (n = 22), followed by subsidence (n = 15). Four dogs required revision surgery.

Clinical Significance Distraction/stabilization of DA-CSM in dogs with the C-LOX device resulted in short-term clinical improvement in 33/37 treated cases. The high incidence of screw loosening was taken into consideration and modification of the implant with a new locking system and new screw dimensions was required. The C-LOX device seems to be a valuable alternative to more complicated distraction–fusion techniques.

Keywords

cervical spondylomyelopathy - neurosurgery - dog - distraction - stabilization - anchored intervertebral spacer

Full Text

References

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