Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2019; 32(02): 158-164
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1676592
Clinical Communication
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Short-Term Clinical and Radiographical Outcome after Application of Anchored Intervertebral Spacers in Dogs with Disc-Associated Cervical Spondylomyelopathy

Deborah Rohner
1  Division of Small Animal Surgery, Department Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, Bern, Switzerland
,
Michael P. Kowaleski
2  Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States
,
Günter Schwarz
3  Tierklinik Hollabrunn, Hollabrunn, Austria
,
Franck Forterre
1  Division of Small Animal Surgery, Department Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, Bern, Switzerland
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

10 February 2018

22 October 2018

Publication Date:
08 February 2019 (eFirst)

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Abstract

Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess the short-term outcome of a new intervertebral anchored fusion device (C-LOX) for the treatment of disc associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (DA-CSM) in dogs, based on clinical and radiographical follow-up data.

Materials and Methods To be included in the study, dogs had to be clinically affected by DA-CSM treated with surgical distraction/stabilization using the anchored intervertebral spacer (C-LOX). Neurological signs, as well as diagnostic imaging performed pre-, immediately postoperatively, and after 6 weeks and 3 months were assessed. If available, clinical follow-up after 3 months was documented.

Results Thirty-seven cases were enrolled in the study. Outcome at 3 months was available in 25 dogs; improvement of neurological status was documented in 25/25 cases.

The most common postoperative complication was screw loosening and/or breakage (n = 22), followed by subsidence (n = 15). Four dogs required revision surgery.

Clinical Significance Distraction/stabilization of DA-CSM in dogs with the C-LOX device resulted in short-term clinical improvement in 33/37 treated cases. The high incidence of screw loosening was taken into consideration and modification of the implant with a new locking system and new screw dimensions was required. The C-LOX device seems to be a valuable alternative to more complicated distraction–fusion techniques.

Keywords

cervical spondylomyelopathy - neurosurgery - dog - distraction - stabilization - anchored intervertebral spacer

Authors’ Contribution

All authors contributed to conception of study, study design, acquisition of data and data analysis and interpretation. All authors also drafted, revised and approved the submitted manuscript.