Introduction: The rising popularity of brachycephalic dog breeds has led to increased cases of
congenital spinal malformations with neurologic deficits. These deformities often
progress rapidly, causing vertebral canal stenosis and spinal instability that can
damage the spinal cord. Although corrective surgery is well established for lumbar
deformities, thoracic malformations present unique challenges due to anatomical constraints
of the thoracic spine. Previous techniques, including positive profile threaded pins,
PMMA, and custom devices, have been reported; however, correction via dorsolateral
thoracotomy with vertebral pedicle screws and a bar system stabilization has not been
reported in dogs.
Materials and Methods: Two dogs with severe thoracic vertebral malformations (T4–T8, T5–T8) underwent corpectomy
and stabilization. Preoperative assessments included MRI and high-resolution CT for
surgical planning, with Cobb angles recorded. The procedure involved dorsal thoracotomy,
pedicle screw placement, and stabilization with an 80 mm bar. Postoperative imaging
and neurologic assessments were performed for 6 to 9 months after surgery.
Results: Both patients had uneventful recoveries. Cobb angles improved from 58.8 to 89.7 degrees
(55.5%) and from 93.15 to 117.9 degrees (26.6%), respectively. Patient 1 regained
full ambulation within 3 months, while Patient 2 showed mild motor improvement but
remained nonambulatory.
Discussion/Conclusion: This study demonstrates the feasibility of this approach for thoracic spinal malformations
in dogs, with Cobb angle improvement potentially correlating with functional outcomes.
Further studies are needed to validate these findings.
Acknowledgment
None.
