I Cornelis1,2, P Monticelli1, S De Decker1. 1. Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK. 2. Department of Medicine and Clinical Biology of Small Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
Abstract
CASE REPORT: A 6-year-old male neutered crossbreed dog presented with acute onset paraparesis and was diagnosed with an L1-L2 intervertebral disc extrusion. A right-sided T13-L2 hemilaminectomy was performed. However, the dog deteriorated and became paraplegic with marked thoracolumbar hyperaesthesia 48 h after surgery. A computed tomography scan of the thoracolumbar vertebral column revealed the presence of pneumorrhachis (PR) at the level of T13, possibly embedded in a haematoma, and causing marked spinal cord compression. Revision surgery confirmed the presence of a haematoma, which was removed. The dog gradually improved and was neurologically normal 6 weeks after surgery. CONCLUSION: Although PR is a rare condition, it may be considered a possible cause for early postoperative neurological deterioration in dogs undergoing decompressive spinal surgery. Surgical revision resulted in a good outcome in the presented case.
CASE REPORT: A 6-year-old male neutered crossbreed dog presented with acute onset paraparesis and was diagnosed with an L1-L2 intervertebral disc extrusion. A right-sided T13-L2 hemilaminectomy was performed. However, the dog deteriorated and became paraplegic with marked thoracolumbar hyperaesthesia 48 h after surgery. A computed tomography scan of the thoracolumbar vertebral column revealed the presence of pneumorrhachis (PR) at the level of T13, possibly embedded in a haematoma, and causing marked spinal cord compression. Revision surgery confirmed the presence of a haematoma, which was removed. The dog gradually improved and was neurologically normal 6 weeks after surgery. CONCLUSION: Although PR is a rare condition, it may be considered a possible cause for early postoperative neurological deterioration in dogs undergoing decompressive spinal surgery. Surgical revision resulted in a good outcome in the presented case.