Presence of scoliosis was not associated with an increased odds of being affected by intervertebral disc extrusion. There was also an association between the presence of scoliosis and the anatomical distribution of intervertebral disc extrusions, with dogs with scoliosis more likely to have more caudal lumbar intervertebral disc extrusions. Dogs with kyphosis were at nearly a two times increased odds of being affected by intervertebral disc extrusion than those without kyphosis. There was a significant association between the presence of kyphosis and the occurrence of intervertebral disc extrusion, particularly in the thoracolumbar region. ResultsFrench bulldogs that underwent computed tomography for reasons unrelated to spinal disease (n = 101), and French bulldogs with thoracolumbar (n = 47) or cervical intervertebral disc extrusion (n = 30) that underwent magnetic resonance imaging were included. The aim of this study was to evaluate if the occurrence of thoracic vertebral malformations, kyphosis or scoliosis would be associated with a higher prevalence of cervical or thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion in French bulldogs. It is however unknown if an abnormal spinal curvature also predisposes dogs to develop clinically relevant intervertebral disc herniations. Three-dimensionally printed patient-specific drill guides are a safe and effective method of placing pedicle screws in dogs with thoracolumbar vertebral malformations.Īlthough thoracic vertebral malformations with kyphosis and scoliosis are often considered incidental findings on diagnostic imaging studies of screw-tailed brachycephalic breeds, they have been suggested to interfere with spinal biomechanics and intervertebral disc degeneration. Three-dimensionally printed patient-specific drill guides allowed safe and accurate placement of pedicle screws in the thoracolumbar spine in dogs with vertebral malformation. Sixty bicortical pedicle screws were placed 96.7% were graded as I (optimal placement), and 3.3% were classified as IIa (partial penetration of the medial pedicle wall) according to a modified Zdichavsky classification. Accuracy of screw placement was assessed by immediately postoperative CT according to a modified Zdichavsky classification.įive pugs and one French bulldog met the inclusion criteria. All dogs were stabilized dorsally with guided bicortical pedicle screws and polymethylmethacrylate. Inclusion criteria included MRI and computed tomography (CT) data that were used to create 3D printed patient-specific drill guides. Medical records were searched between June 2017 and June 2018 for dogs with clinical signs associated with a thoracolumbar vertebral malformation. Six dogs in which sixty pedicle screws were placed in the thoracolumbar spine. To determine the accuracy of pedicle screw placement in the thoracic spine of dogs with spinal deformities with three-dimensionally (3D) printed patient-specific drill guides. Further adaptations might be required to avoid implant loosening and allow continued growth in immature dogs. Spinal segmental stabilisation techniques, with or without decompression, can result in a satisfactory outcome in small dogs with hemivertebrae and mild to moderate neurological signs.
At 2 to 6 years post-surgery, four dogs were neurologically normal, three had mild residual ataxia, one had moderate ambulatory paraparesis, and one dog relapsed 3.5 years after surgery, resulting in severe paraparesis. Eight dogs showed long-term gait improvement, with resolution of incontinence if previously present. Immediate or delayed post-operative complications occurred in three dogs, including implant migration or loosening. Post-operative follow-up ranged from 1.5 to 5.5 years. Three dogs also underwent additional decompressive surgery.
All dogs were surgically managed with spinal segmental stabilisation, using Steinmann pins and orthopaedic wires and/or sutures attached to the spinous processes. In all dogs, hemivertebra(e) were associated with kyphosis and reduced vertebral canal diameter. In each dog, one or more dorsal thoracic hemivertebra(e) were detected by radiography and MRI. Six dogs also showed urinary and faecal incontinence. Data on signalment, preoperative neurological status, imaging findings, surgical techniques and outcome were evaluated.Īll cases occurred in young or adult, small-breed dogs with neurological signs ranging from progressive moderate pelvic limb ataxia to non-ambulatory paraparesis.
#Hemivertebrae rad iograph series
This retrospective case series examined the effectiveness of spinal segmental stabilisation, with or without decompression, in nine dogs with neurological deficits associated with dorsal hemivertebrae.
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