Scapular Osteotomy for Lateral Access to a T1-2 Foraminal Disc Extrusion, Treated by Mini-Hemilaminectomy in a Dog

Abstract

A 4-year-old female spayed French bulldog was presented with a 2-day history of neck pain and left thoracic limb lameness with no neurological deficits. A computed tomography (CT) examination showed a left foraminal T1-2 disc extrusion. Surgical management was performed using a left lateral approach to the vertebral column with a scapular osteotomy. A T1-2 mini-hemilaminectomy was performed. The scapular osteotomy was stabilized with two 2.4-mm locking compression plates. The postoperative CT and radiographic examinations showed adequate decompression of the T1-2 foramen and good reduction in the scapular osteotomy. The dog was able to walk the following day. At the 1-month follow-up, the dog had no neck pain but persistent slight left thoracic limb lameness. Ten months postoperatively, a CT scan showed no abnormalities at the surgical site, and the dog had no neurological deficits nor lameness. The aim of this case report was to describe a new lateral approach to T1-2 intervertebral space.

Keywords

dog - cranial thoracic disc extrusion - lateral approach - scapular osteotomy - T1-2 mini-hemilaminectomy

Authors' Contribution

N.M. contributed to the conception, study design, acquisition of data, data analysis and interpretation. B.S. and J.C. contributed to study design, data analysis and interpretation. G.A. contributed to the study design, acquisition of data, data analysis and interpretation. All authors drafted, revised, and approved the submitted manuscript and are publicly responsible for the relevant content.

Publication History

Received: 23 May 2023

Accepted: 23 October 2023

Article published online:
15 January 2024

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