Fracture of L7 vertebral articular facets and pedicles following dorsal laminectomy in a dog.

A 6.5-year-old German Shepherd Dog underwent decompressive surgery for cauda equina syndrome. On the basis of intraoperative findings, the dorsal laminectomy was extended from L6 to S2. Partial dorsal annulectomies were also performed on the L6-7 and L7-S1 intervertebral disks. Two weeks following discharge, the dog had an acute onset of signs of pain and worsening of the neurologic status. Radiography and surgical exploration revealed bilateral fractures of the vertebral pedicles and caudal articular facets of L7. Vertebral stabilization was achieved with intramedullary pins and methylmethacrylate. The dog fully recovered. Although the destabilizing effect of various procedures on the vertebral column has been documented in vitro, vertebral fractures associated with instability have not been reported. Our description of a vertebral fracture following a cauda equina decompressive procedure in a dog emphasizes the need for caution when performing multi-level dorsal laminectomy and diskectomy.