Vertebral stabilisation for cervical spondylopathy using a screw and washer technique |
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| Authors: | W M McKee R B Lavelle T A Mason |
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| Institution: | Department of Veterinary Clinic and Hospital, University of Melbourne, Princes Highway, Werribee, Victoria, 3030, Australia |
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| Abstract: | A transvertebral screw and interbody washer technique was used to stabilise the vertebrae and maintain the intervertebral space in 34 adult dobermann pinschers with cervical spondylopathy. The long term success of the procedure was 50 per cent. Pre-operatively three dogs were considered mildly ataxic, 16 moderately ataxic, 13 severely ataxic and two non-ambulatory. Thirty dogs had radiographic changes of calcified disc, vertebral malalignment or narrow intervertebral disc space and all dogs had myelographic abnormalities in the caudal cervical spine. Vertebral malalignment and narrow intervertebral space correlated closely with myelographic cord compression. However, compressive lesions were not identified in 11 cases on plain films. Follow-up was available on 30 dogs of which 25 showed neurological improvement. This was temporary in 10 cases which were destroyed two weeks to three years following surgery. |
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