Randomized Controlled Trial of Durotomy as an Adjunct to Routine Decompressive Surgery for Dogs With Severe Acute Spinal Cord Injury.

Although many interventions for acute spinal cord injury (SCI) appear promising in experimental models, translation directly from experimental animals to human patients is a large step that can be problematic. Acute SCI occurs frequently in companion dogs and may provide a model to ease translation. Recently, incision of the dura has been highlighted in both research animals and human patients as a means of reducing intraspinal pressure, with a view to improving perfusion of the injured tissue and enhancing functional recovery.

Comparison of signalment and computed tomography findings in French Bulldogs, Pugs, and English Bulldogs with and without clinical signs associated with thoracic hemivertebra.

Background: Although thoracic hemivertebra can cause neurological signs, they occur commonly in neurologically normal dogs.

Objectives: To evaluate whether computed tomography (CT) findings and factors associated with signalment can be used to differentiate between dogs with and without neurological signs associated with hemivertebra.

Animals: One hundred sixty dogs with ≥1 hemivertebrae were retrospectively studied.

Incidence and risk factors for neurological signs after attenuation of single congenital portosystemic shunts in 253 dogs.

Objective: To determine the incidence, outcome, and risk factors for postattenuation neurological signs (PANS) and seizures after attenuation of single congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) in dogs.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Sample Population: Dogs (N = 253) with single CPSS.

Choices and Decisions in Decompressive Surgery for Thoracolumbar Intervertebral Disk Herniation.

Once decompressive surgery has been elected, the approach that maximizes the likelihood of gaining access to the herniated material for complete removal should be chosen. In most cases, a procedure that optimizes access to the ventrolateral aspect of the spinal cord will be advantageous but it is important to tailor the details of the surgical procedure to suit individual patients. Decompressive surgery for chronic (type II) herniations will frequently demand a ventral approach with partial corpectomy.