Surgical complications associated with hemilaminectomy and intervertebral disc fenestration: prospective study of 64 dogs / Complicações associadas à hemilaminectomia toracolombar e fenestração de disco intervertebral: estudo prospectivo em 64 cães

Hemilaminectomy and intervertebral disc fenestration are commonly used to treat intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE); however, they are associated with surgical complications. Sixty-four dogs were assessed during the intraoperative, immediate postoperative, and late postoperative periods to evaluate complications resulting from these surgical procedures. During this study, 15.62% (n=10) of the dogs presented with complications during at least one of the evaluations. Iatrogenic rhizotomy, access to the spinal canal contralateral to the lesion, and cardiorespiratory arrest were observed intraoperatively. Abdominal wall flaccidity, neurological worsening, hematoma, dehiscence, and superficial wound infections were observed during the immediate postoperative period. Adverse reactions to the surgical thread, scar adhesion, and superficial wound infection were the most frequent complications during the late postoperative period. Dogs that undergo hemilaminectomy and intervertebral disc fenestration because of IVDE may experience complications during the intraoperative, immediate postoperative, and late postoperative periods. However, these complications are often transitory and rarely cause death.

A hemilaminectomia e a fenestração do disco intervertebral são os procedimentos cirúrgicos geralmente empregados no tratamento da extrusão do disco intervertebral (EDIV), os quais podem desencadear complicações cirúrgicas. Foram avaliadas complicações em 64 cães nos períodos intra e pós-operatório imediato e tardio. Dos pacientes incluídos no estudo, 15,62% (n=10) apresentaram alguma ocorrência em pelo menos uma das etapas avaliadas. Das complicações, no período intraoperatório foram observadas rizotomia iatrogênica, abertura do canal vertebral contralateral e parada cardio-respiratória. No pós-operatório imediato foram verificadas a flacidez da parede abdominal lateral, piora neurológica, hematoma, deiscência de ferida cirúrgica e infecção superficial da ferida de pele. No pós-operatório tardio foram verificadas reação ao fio cirúrgico, aderência cicatricial e flacidez da parede abdominal lateral como problemas mais frequentes. Conclui-se que cães submetidos à hemilaminectomia e fenestração do disco intervertebral envolvido em decorrência da EDIV podem apresentar complicações nos períodos intraoperatório, pós-operatório imediato e tardio, sendo transitórias e com mínimas chances de ocasionar óbito.

Surgical complications associated with hemilaminectomy and intervertebral disc fenestration: Prospective study of 64 dogs / Complicações associadas à hemilaminectomia toracolombar e fenestração de disco intervertebral: estudo prospectivo em 64 cães

ABSTRACT: Hemilaminectomy and intervertebral disc fenestration are commonly used to treat intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE); however, they are associated with surgical complications. Sixty-four dogs were assessed during the intraoperative, immediate postoperative, and late postoperative periods to evaluate complications resulting from these surgical procedures. During this study, 15.62% (n=10) of the dogs presented with complications during at least one of the evaluations. Iatrogenic rhizotomy, access to the spinal canal contralateral to the lesion, and cardiorespiratory arrest were observed intraoperatively. Abdominal wall flaccidity, neurological worsening, hematoma, dehiscence, and superficial wound infections were observed during the immediate postoperative period. Adverse reactions to the surgical thread, scar adhesion, and superficial wound infection were the most frequent complications during the late postoperative period. Dogs that undergo hemilaminectomy and intervertebral disc fenestration because of IVDE may experience complications during the intraoperative, immediate postoperative, and late postoperative periods. However, these complications are often transitory and rarely cause death.

RESUMO: A hemilaminectomia e a fenestração do disco intervertebral são os procedimentos cirúrgicos geralmente empregados no tratamento da extrusão do disco intervertebral (EDIV), os quais podem desencadear complicações cirúrgicas. Foram avaliadas complicações em 64 cães nos períodos intra e pós-operatório imediato e tardio. Dos pacientes incluídos no estudo, 15,62% (n=10) apresentaram alguma ocorrência em pelo menos uma das etapas avaliadas. Das complicações, no período intraoperatório foram observadas rizotomia iatrogênica, abertura do canal vertebral contralateral e parada cardio-respiratória. No pós-operatório imediato foram verificadas a flacidez da parede abdominal lateral, piora neurológica, hematoma, deiscência de ferida cirúrgica e infecção superficial da ferida de pele. No pós-operatório tardio foram verificadas reação ao fio cirúrgico, aderência cicatricial e flacidez da parede abdominal lateral como problemas mais frequentes. Conclui-se que cães submetidos à hemilaminectomia e fenestração do disco intervertebral envolvido em decorrência da EDIV podem apresentar complicações nos períodos intraoperatório, pós-operatório imediato e tardio, sendo transitórias e com mínimas chances de ocasionar óbito.

Adenocarcinoma de saco anal com metástase vertebro-medular em um Cocker Spaniel / Anal sac adenocarcinoma with vertebromedullary metastasis in a Cocker Spaniel

Background: Several neoplasms can affect the perianal region, being the hepatic adenoma and the anal sac adenocarcinoma (ASAC), which is considered the most frequent. The ASAC is a malignant neoplasm originating from the secretory epithelium of the perianal apocrine glands and is rarely seen in veterinary medicine. The ASAC occurs mainly in adult to elderly canines with high metastasis rates. Patients may be asymptomatic or manifest discomfort and behavioral changes. In the presence of metastasis, the most frequent clinical signs are inappetence, coughing, dyspnea, and colorectal obstruction. Given this scenario, this paper aims to describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic examination, and necropsy findings of a Cocker Spaniel with ASAC and metastasis in the vertebral body, spinal cord, and cauda equina. Case: A 8-year-old neutered male Cocker Spaniel (12 kg of body mass) with a clinical history of non-ambulatory paraparesis was evaluated. The patient also presented tenesmus, difficulty to defecate, and the presence of nodules in the anal sac area. On the neurological examination, asymmetrical changes compatible with injury between L4-S3 were found. A complete blood count, serum biochemistry, and imaging exams such as plain radiography, abdominal ultrasonography (US), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were requested. Blood count revealed anemia and neutrophilic leukocytosis and hypercalcemia. The liver showed increased echogenicity and thickened pancreas in the abdominal US scan. A slightly heterogeneous, vascularized mass with irregular borders was identified in the topographic region of the sublumbar lymph nodes; MRI images demonstrated an expansile formation in the ventral region of the lumbosacral spine, corresponding to the sublumbar lymph nodes and interruption of the cerebrospinal fluid at L5, suggestive of compression of the spinal cord and cauda equina. A presumptive diagnosis of perianal neoplasm with metastasis was made based on the complementary exams. The dog was referred to necropsy, which revealed a 4 cm tumor in the perianal region that invaded the pelvic canal. Multifocal nodules were present on the lung surface, liver, and kidneys, suggesting metastasis. On the cross-section of the spine, one could note the presence of the tumor in the vertebral bodies, spinal cord, and cauda equina from L5 to S3. Even with histopathological evaluation of the tumor, only the immunohistochemical analysis allowed us to confirm the anal sac adenocarcinoma. Discussion: Adenomas and carcinomas are perianal gland neoplasms common in adult and elderly male dogs; the Cocker Spaniel breed is among the most affected. The clinical signs presented by the patient, such as tenesmus and difficulty in adopting the posture of defecation, are common, although neurological changes are rare. As for metastasis, carcinomas of the perianal region present high chances of metastasis to organs including the liver, kidneys, and lungs, both lymphatically and hematogenously, but few studies have related these factors to neurological alterations due to metastasis. We concluded that metastases from carcinomas to the spine must be considered a possible differential diagnosis in cases of patients presenting clinical signs that are compatible with spinal cord compression and a history of previous neoplasm.

Clinical and Histopathological Findings of Hemorrhagic Progressive Myelomalacia after Lumbar Tap in 2 Dogs: Case Report.

Bichon frise (1) and Boxer (2), both with epileptic seizures, underwent lumbar taps for cerebrospinal fluid collection. After the procedure, the first dog became paraplegic, and the second dog did not recover from anesthesia and remained in a coma. Both dogs were euthanatized 12 h after the examination. The dogs were diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy and fibrillar astrocytoma, respectively, after postmortem examination. They were also diagnosed with progressive myelomalacia, involving C1-C5 until the L4-S3 spinal segments. Since it was not possible to attribute the development of myelomalacia to the primary diseases observed, the lumbar tap likely caused this severe spinal cord injury. These reports highlight myelomalacia as a possible complication of lumbar taps.

Muscular and collagenous cerebellar choristoma in a dog.

This report aims to describe the first case of muscular and collagenous choristoma in a dog. A 10-yr-old female mixed-breed dog presented with lateral recumbence, vocalization, positional vertical nystagmus, divergent strabismus, anisocoria, and status epilepticus. The clinical condition evolved to stupor and ultimately, death. Necropsy revealed a white mass causing an irregular increase in the volume of the cerebellar vermis. In histological analysis, a well circumscribed, unencapsulated mass was observed in the cerebellum, consisting of fibers of striated skeletal muscle and collagen fibers, mostly mineralized. Based on the histopathological and histochemical findings, a diagnosis of muscular and collagenous cerebellar choristoma was made.

Clinical aspects, food management, and clinical evolution of a cat with hypertrophic muscular dystrophy / Aspectos clínicos, manejo alimentar e evolução clínica de um gato com distrofia muscular hipertrófica

Hypertrophic feline muscular dystrophy (HFMD), rarely reported in the literature, is a disease caused by a hereditary recessive dystrophin deficiency linked to the X chromosome, mainly affecting young male cats. Here, we presented the clinical aspects, food management, and clinical evolution of a seven-year-old mixed-breed cat diagnosed with HFMD, having a primary history of progressive tongue protrusion.

A distrofia muscular hipertrófica felina é uma doença causada por uma deficiência da distrofina com caráter hereditário recessivo ligado ao cromossomo X, com poucos registros de ocorrência na literatura, que acomete principalmente gatos machos jovens. Neste trabalho, são relatados os aspectos clínicos, manejo alimentar e evolução clínica de um gato, sem raça definida, de sete anos com histórico principal de protrusão progressiva da língua e diagnosticado com distrofia muscular hipertrófica felina.

Physical therapy modalities in the rehabilitation of cats (Felis catus) with neurological and orthopedic conditions / Modalidades terapêuticas na reabilitação de gatos (Felis catus) com doenças neurológicas e ortopédicas

This retrospective study described the therapeutic modalities used for the rehabilitation of cats with neurological and orthopedic diseases and provided data regarding the number of sessions, frequency, and treatment duration; the study also evaluated the modality acceptance by this species. Twenty cats were selected, 11 with neurological diseases and nine with orthopedic conditions. Acute spinal cord trauma and femoral fracture were the most frequently observed neurological (72.7%) and orthopedic (44.4%) conditions, respectively. Manual therapies comprised of passive stretching (PS), passive range of motion (PROM), and bicycle movement (BM) exercises were included in all the protocols.Therapeutic modality acceptance was positive for physical agents, thermotherapy, and hydrotherapy (100%);in manual therapies, it was positive in 40% and partially positive in 60% of cats; in kinesiotherapy, it was positive for all the assisted active exercises and negative for the active exercises. The number of physical therapy sessions significantly influenced the positive acceptance of PS (P < 0.05). The PS, PROM, and BM exercises were the most commonly used modalities; the number of physiotherapy sessions and duration of treatment were higher in cats with neurological diseases, and acceptance was positive in most therapeutic modalities.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo retrospectivo foi descrever as modalidades terapêuticas utilizadas na reabilitação de gatos com doenças neurológicas e ortopédicas em um centro de reabilitação, fornecer dados referentes ao número de sessões, a frequência, a duração do tratamento e avaliar a aceitação das modalidades pela espécie. Foram selecionados 20 gatos, sendo, 11 com doenças neurológicas e nove com afecções ortopédicas. O trauma agudo de medula espinhal e a fratura de fêmur foram as doenças neurológicas (72,7%) e ortopédicas (44,4%) mais observadas, respectivamente. As terapias manuais compostas pelos exercícios de alongamento passivo (AP), movimentação passiva articular (MPA) e movimento em bicicleta (MB) foram incluídas em 100% dos protocolos. A aceitação das modalidades terapêuticas foi positiva para os agentes físicos, termoterapia e hidroterapia (100%); nas terapias manuais, foi positiva em 40% e parcialmente positiva em 60% dos gatos e, na cinesioterapia, foi positiva para os exercícios ativos assistidos em 100% e negativa para os exercícios ativos. O número de sessões de fisioterapia influenciou significativamente na aceitação positiva do alongamento passivo (P < 0,05). O AP, a MPA, o MB foram as modalidades mais utilizadas; o número de sessões de fisioterapia e a duração do tratamento foram maiores nos gatos com doenças neurológicas e a aceitação foi positiva na maioria das modalidades terapêuticas.

Empiema epidural espinhal em gato com suspeita de linfoma em canal vertebral / Spinal epidural empyema in a cat with suspect of spinal canal lymphoma

Background: Spinal epidural empyema (SEE) is a rare disease in cats that has been described as a cause of severe compressive myelopathy. It is characterized by accumulation of purulent exudate in the form of an abscess in the epidural space. Neurological signs range from spinal hyperesthesia to rapidly progressive paraplegia and may be associated with systemic signs. Spinal lymphoma is the most common neoplasm affecting the central nervous system of cats and can mimic different neoplasms and non-neoplastic diseases, such as SEE. The aim of this study is to report a case of SEE in a cat and highlight the similarities in neurological, laboratory, and imaging findings between this disease and spinal lymphoma. Case: A 8-month-old male neutered mixed-breed cat was referred to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (HVU) of the UFSM with acute, non-progressive paraplegia. On neurological examination, the patient was paraplegic with no nociception, normal spinal reflexes, increased muscle tone in the pelvic limbs, absence of cutaneous trunci reflex, and spinal hyperesthesia between T13-L1, demonstrating injury in the T3-L3 spinal cord segment. The differential diagnoses included acute spinal cord trauma, neoplasm (lymphoma), and infectious diseases. Hemogram showed lymphocytosis (8062/µL); the biochemical examinations were unremarkable. Tests for antibodies against feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) antigens were negative. Simple radiography, abdominal ultrasonography, and cerebrospinal fluid findings were also normal. Myelography showed left dorsolateral extradural spinal cord compression from T12 to L1. Based on these findings, the presumptive diagnosis was spinal lymphoma and chemotherapy was initiated. After 2 days, the animal began to show hyporexia, adipsia, vomiting, and diarrhea, in addition to an increase in subcutaneous volume in the thoracolumbar region. Antibiotic therapy was initiated; however, the patient died. Necropsy revealed an abscess in the left dorsolateral extradural space at T12-T13 and T13-L1. Bacterial cultures revealed the presence of Neisseria spp. that was resistant to various antibiotics. On the basis of these findings, the animal was diagnosed with SEE. Discussion: This case report aims to inform veterinarians about the diagnosis of SEE. SEE is a rare condition in cats compared to spinal lymphoma; however, their presentation is similar. Even in imaging examinations, such as magnetic resonance imaging, it is not possible to differentiate between these 2 conditions. The evolution of clinical signs made the diagnosis of the present case difficult since it was acute and not progressive. All cases of SEE reported in the literature were progressive, acute, or chronic. Although testing for FeLV was negative, only 56% of cats with spinal lymphoma test positive for this virus. Clinical signs reported by the owner after the start of chemotherapy may be related to adverse effects, such as immunosuppression, which led to worsening of the condition, culminating in the appearance of a subcutaneous abscess. Subsequently, SEE was suspected; however, surgical decompression was not performed as the animal died soon after. The authors of this report reinforce the need for a definitive and non-presumptive diagnosis of spinal lymphoma to initiate chemotherapy because it mimics different neoplasms and non-neoplastic diseases, such as SEE. Surgical removal of the compressive mass in the spinal cord and histopathological analyses are necessary.

Analgesia pós-operatória com Fentanil transdérmico ou Metadona intramuscular em cães submetidos à hemilaminectomia toracolombar / Postoperative analgesia with transdermal Fentanyl or intramuscular Methadone in dogs submitted to thoracolumbar hemilaminectomy

Background: Postoperative care after thoracolumbar hemilaminectomy in dogs generally includes rest, physical therapy,and analgesics such as opioids. Currently, there is no established standard for the management of postoperative pain inpatients undergoing hemilaminectomy. Ideally, an analgesic protocol should provide adequate pain relief with limited sedation, low adverse effects, and postoperative patient comfort. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate postoperative analgesiausing transdermal fentanyl or intramuscular methadone in dogs undergoing thoracolumbar hemilaminectomy associatedwith intervertebral disc fenestration (HT) for the treatment of intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE).Materials, Methods & Results: Eight dogs from the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery of a Veterinary TeachingHospital, submitted to HT for the treatment of IVDE, were included. The dogs were randomly distributed into 2 groups ofequal numbers, namely the transdermal fentanyl (FT) group and the intramuscular methadone (IM) group. At the end ofthe surgical procedure, a fentanyl adhesive patch was applied to the animals in the FT group, which remained there for 72h. In the IM group, analgesia was induced by intramuscular administration of methadone at intervals of 6 h until 72 h aftersurgery. The animals were evaluated using the short form of the Glasgow Composite Measure Pains Scale (CMPS-SF).Evaluations of physiological parameters, side effects, and pain were performed by 2 assessors who had experience usingthe pain scale and were blinded to the analgesic protocol. Pain evaluations were performed every 2 h (from T4) until 24h after the surgical procedure. Evaluations were performed every 4 h from 24 h to 48 h after the surgical procedure and...

Extradural synovial cyst of the cervical spine in a Saint Bernard

Background: Extradural synovial cysts (ESC) originate from an extrusion of the synovium in unstable or degeneratedjoints. In the spine, this condition can cause neurological signs such as hyperesthesia, proprioceptive ataxia and paresis.Since extradural presentations of synovial cysts are unusual in dogs, the aim of this manuscript is to report a case ofextradural synovial cyst of the cervical spine, as well as the clinical findings, diagnosis, surgical treatment and clinicalevolution after therapy.Case: A 3-year-old spayed Saint Bernard weighing 60 kg was presented to a Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital with ahistory of acute paraparesis that evolved to non-ambulatory tetraparesis five days after the appearance of the first clinicalsigns. Neurological examination revealed non-ambulatory tetraparesis, normal muscle tone and segmental spinal reflexesin the thoracic and pelvic limbs, as well as cervical pain associated with limited neck movement. According to the neurological examination, the likely lesion location was the C1-C5 spinal cord segment. The differential diagnosis list includedintervertebral disc disease, caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy, neoplasm, infectious or noninfectious inflammatorydisease, and cystic diseases. Complete blood (cell) count and serum biochemistry tests were within reference limits. Thecerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed 35 mg/dL of protein (< 30 mg/dL) and 27 cells (up to 5 cells/mm3) with a predominance of lymphocytes. In plain radiography, bone proliferations of the C4 (caudal) C5 (cranial) articular processes wereobserved and, in myelography, extradural spinal cord compression was evident between C4-C5 on the right side. The animal underwent dorsal laminectomy for spinal cord decompression. An extradural synovial cyst and proliferated articularprocesses were removed. At 1,281 days after surgery, the dog was clinically normal and presented no neurological deficits...(AU)

Extradural synovial cyst of the cervical spine in a Saint Bernard

Background: Extradural synovial cysts (ESC) originate from an extrusion of the synovium in unstable or degeneratedjoints. In the spine, this condition can cause neurological signs such as hyperesthesia, proprioceptive ataxia and paresis.Since extradural presentations of synovial cysts are unusual in dogs, the aim of this manuscript is to report a case ofextradural synovial cyst of the cervical spine, as well as the clinical findings, diagnosis, surgical treatment and clinicalevolution after therapy.Case: A 3-year-old spayed Saint Bernard weighing 60 kg was presented to a Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital with ahistory of acute paraparesis that evolved to non-ambulatory tetraparesis five days after the appearance of the first clinicalsigns. Neurological examination revealed non-ambulatory tetraparesis, normal muscle tone and segmental spinal reflexesin the thoracic and pelvic limbs, as well as cervical pain associated with limited neck movement. According to the neurological examination, the likely lesion location was the C1-C5 spinal cord segment. The differential diagnosis list includedintervertebral disc disease, caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy, neoplasm, infectious or noninfectious inflammatorydisease, and cystic diseases. Complete blood (cell) count and serum biochemistry tests were within reference limits. Thecerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed 35 mg/dL of protein (< 30 mg/dL) and 27 cells (up to 5 cells/mm3) with a predominance of lymphocytes. In plain radiography, bone proliferations of the C4 (caudal) C5 (cranial) articular processes wereobserved and, in myelography, extradural spinal cord compression was evident between C4-C5 on the right side. The animal underwent dorsal laminectomy for spinal cord decompression. An extradural synovial cyst and proliferated articularprocesses were removed. At 1,281 days after surgery, the dog was clinically normal and presented no neurological deficits...

Ventral slot in the clinical recovery of dogs with lateralized compression as a result of cervical intervertebral disc disease: 20 cases (2008-2018) / Fenda (slot) ventral na recuperação clínica de cães com compressões lateralizadas em decorrência da doença do disco intervertebral cervical: 20 casos (2008-2018)

The objective of this study was to verify the clinical recovery of dogs that underwent ventral slot surgical decompression with lateralized compressions of the cervical spinal cord caused by intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Twenty patients were selected in different degrees of neurological dysfunction with definitive diagnosis of lateralized compression by cervical IVDD. Postoperative clinical recovery was assessed in patients who had undergone at least two months of the surgical procedure. There was a satisfactory recovery in 19 dogs (95%) and unsatisfactory recovery in another (5%), showing a significant clinical improvement (p 0.05) in the use of this technique in lateralized compression cases. The ventral slot promotes satisfactory clinical recovery of dogs with lateralized compression of the spinal cord caused by cervical IVDD and may be indicated as a surgical alternative.(AU)

O objetivo desse estudo foi verificar a recuperação clínica de cães submetidos a descompressão cirúrgica por fenda ventral em compressões lateralizadas da medula espinhal cervical ocasionada pela doença do disco intervertebral (DDIV). Foram selecionados 20 pacientes em diferentes graus de disfunção neurológica com diagnóstico definitivo de compressões lateralizadas por DDIV cervical. A recuperação clínica pós-operatória foi avaliada nos pacientes decorridos, no mínimo, dois meses do procedimento cirúrgico. Houve recuperação satisfatória em 19 cães (95%) e um insatisfatório (5%), demonstrando melhora clínica significativa (p 0,05) no emprego desta técnica em casos de compressões lateralizadas. A fenda ventral promove recuperação clínica satisfatória de cães com compressões lateralizadas da medula espinhal, ocasionadas pela DDIV cervical, e pode ser indicada como alternativa cirúrgica.(AU)

Extrusão de disco intervertebral intradural em um cão / Intradural disc extrusion in a dog

Background: Intervertebral disc extrusion is an important cause of spinal cord dysfunction in dogs. Intradural localizationof the extruded disc material is rare, and is generally associated with a traumatic event or with recurrence of disc extrusionat a previously affected site. We report the clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and treatment of a dog with intraduralintervertebral disc extrusion not preceded by a traumatic event.Case: A 6-year-old male Dachshund was referred for neurological evaluation due to acute onset of hind-end paralysispreceded by claudication of the left hindlimb. The patient had been receiving conservative treatment to no effect. Neurological examination revealed asymmetric non-ambulatory paraparesis, absence of postural reactions and decreased muscletone in both hindlimbs, a bilaterally diminished patellar reflex, and a hindlimb withdrawal reflex which was normal onthe right and greatly diminished to absent on the left. The lower back was tender to epaxial palpation. Plain radiographsof the lumbar spine in the lateral projection showed calcified material within the spinal canal between the third and fourthlumbar vertebrae. Myelography was suggestively abnormal at the same level, with epidural leakage of contrast at L3-L4.Considering the clinical history, breed, age, neurological signs, and radiographic findings, intervertebral disc disease wassuspected despite the inconclusive myelography findings. A dorsolateral lumbar hemilaminectomy was performed. Intraoperatively, the diagnosis was confirmed by visualization of a discolored spinal cord and absence of extradural material.The intradural space was accessed via durotomy. A firm, straw-yellow material was seen compressing the spinal cord andremoved. Subsequent histopathological...(AU)

Doenças neurológicas e ortopédicas em cães e gatos submetidos à fisioterapia / Neurological and orthopedic diseases in dogs and cats submitted to physiotherapy

Background: The goals of physical therapy are to maximize functional recovery, improve mobility, and restore wellbeing and quality of life. In the veterinary literature, there is a dearth of data on physical therapy in small animal practice. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the main neurological and orthopedic diseases in canine and feline patients seen at the physical therapy service of an animal hospital. Concomitantly, we collected demographic and clinical information on patients, including sex, breed, physical therapy modalities, number and frequency of physical therapy sessions, duration of treatment, and rate of functional recovery. Materials, Methods & Results: The records of animals with neurological and orthopedic diseases seen at the Physical Therapy department of a university-affiliated animal hospital were reviewed. The animals were divided into two groups: I) dogs and cats with neurological diseases and II) dogs and cats with orthopedic diseases. Both groups were distributed according to species, age, sex and race. Dogs and cats were classified into three age groups: puppies (≤ 1 year old), adults (> 1 year and ≤ 10 years old) and elderly (> 10 years old). A total of 384 records were retrieved, of which 370 (96.4%) were of dogs and 14 (3.6%) of cats. Neurological cases accounted for 66% of the total (n = 253), with 243 cases in dogs (96%) and 10 in cats (4%). Among orthopedic cases (n = 131, accounting for the remaining 34%), 127 were in dogs (97%) and only 4 in cats (3%). In the neurological dysfunction group, intervertebral disc disease (72.4%) was the most common diagnosis. Among the orthopedic disorders, femur fracture (23.1%) was most prevalent. In group I (neurological), 66.7% of outcomes in canine patients and 44.4% in felines were considered satisfactory. In group II...

Extrusão de disco intervertebral intradural em um cão / Intradural disc extrusion in a dog

Background: Intervertebral disc extrusion is an important cause of spinal cord dysfunction in dogs. Intradural localizationof the extruded disc material is rare, and is generally associated with a traumatic event or with recurrence of disc extrusionat a previously affected site. We report the clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and treatment of a dog with intraduralintervertebral disc extrusion not preceded by a traumatic event.Case: A 6-year-old male Dachshund was referred for neurological evaluation due to acute onset of hind-end paralysispreceded by claudication of the left hindlimb. The patient had been receiving conservative treatment to no effect. Neurological examination revealed asymmetric non-ambulatory paraparesis, absence of postural reactions and decreased muscletone in both hindlimbs, a bilaterally diminished patellar reflex, and a hindlimb withdrawal reflex which was normal onthe right and greatly diminished to absent on the left. The lower back was tender to epaxial palpation. Plain radiographsof the lumbar spine in the lateral projection showed calcified material within the spinal canal between the third and fourthlumbar vertebrae. Myelography was suggestively abnormal at the same level, with epidural leakage of contrast at L3-L4.Considering the clinical history, breed, age, neurological signs, and radiographic findings, intervertebral disc disease wassuspected despite the inconclusive myelography findings. A dorsolateral lumbar hemilaminectomy was performed. Intraoperatively, the diagnosis was confirmed by visualization of a discolored spinal cord and absence of extradural material.The intradural space was accessed via durotomy. A firm, straw-yellow material was seen compressing the spinal cord andremoved. Subsequent histopathological...

Physical therapy treatment in the functional recovery of dogs submitted to head and femoral neck ostectomy: 20 cases / Tratamento fisioterapêutico na recuperação funcional de cães submetidos à ostectomia da cabeça e colo femoral: 20 casos

ABSTRACT: Patients who undergo excisional surgical procedures such as femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHO) require a postoperative rehabilitation plan which includes different physical therapy modalities. Therefore, this retrospective study was done to demonstrate the different physical therapy modalities utilized in 20 dogs who were subjected to FHO, and to provide data on the frequency of physical therapy modalities, the protocol duration and time interval from the commencement of physiotherapy and surgery and the patient's functional recovery. All the protocols included the modalities of thermotherapy (heat), massage, passive stretching and passive joint movement. In the initial phase, electrotherapy and therapeutic ultrasound were most often used, while the water treadmill was continued until the treatment was completed. Physiotherapy sessions varied from 3 to 50 in number, and physiotherapy was commenced from day 5 until day 214 post the surgical procedure. The functional recovery of the limb was in the following range: 65% (13/20) satisfactory, 25% (5/20) partially satisfactory and 10% (2/20) unsatisfactory. Physical therapy treatment was thus concluded to be most influential in the functional recovery of the limb, even if was started late.

RESUMO: Um plano de reabilitação no pós-operatório incluindo diferentes modalidades fisioterapêuticas é de suma importância em pacientes submetidos à procedimentos cirúrgicos excisionais como a ostectomia da cabeça e colo femoral (OCCF). Sendo assim, o objetivo desse estudo retrospectivo foi demonstrar as diferentes modalidades fisioterapêuticas empregadas nos 20 cães após OCCF e fornecer dados referentes à frequência das modalidades fisioterapêuticas, a duração dos protocolos e o tempo entre o início da fisioterapia e a cirurgia e a recuperação funcional do paciente. A termoterapia (calor), a massagem, o alongamento passivo e a movimentação passiva articular foram as modalidades empregadas em todos os protocolos. A eletroterapia e o ultrassom terapêutico foram as mais utilizadas na fase inicial e, a esteira aquática foi mantida até o final do tratamento. O número de sessões de fisioterapia variou de 3 a 50 e o início da fisioterapia de 5 a 214 dias após o procedimento cirúrgico. Quanto à recuperação funcional do membro, em 65% (13/20) foram satisfatórias, em 25% (5/20) parcialmente satisfatórias e em 10% (2/20) insatisfatórias. Pode-se concluir que o tratamento fisioterapêutico influenciou na recuperação funcional do membro, mesmo que iniciado tardiamente.

Ventral slot in the clinical recovery of dogs with lateralized compression as a result of cervical intervertebral disc disease - 20 cases (2008-2018) / Fenda (slot) ventral na recuperação clínica de cães com compressões lateralizadas em decorrência da doença do disco intervertebral cervical - 20 casos (2008-2018)

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to verify the clinical recovery of dogs that underwent ventral slot surgical decompression with lateralized compressions of the cervical spinal cord caused by intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Twenty patients were selected in different degrees of neurological dysfunction with definitive diagnosis of lateralized compression by cervical IVDD. Postoperative clinical recovery was assessed in patients who had undergone at least two months of the surgical procedure. There was a satisfactory recovery in 19 dogs (95%) and unsatisfactory recovery in another (5%), showing a significant clinical improvement (p<0.05) in the use of this technique in lateralized compression cases. The ventral slot promotes satisfactory clinical recovery of dogs with lateralized compression of the spinal cord caused by cervical IVDD and may be indicated as a surgical alternative.

RESUMO: O objetivo desse estudo foi verificar a recuperação clínica de cães submetidos a descompressão cirúrgica por fenda ventral em compressões lateralizadas da medula espinhal cervical ocasionada pela doença do disco intervertebral (DDIV). Foram selecionados 20 pacientes em diferentes graus de disfunção neurológica com diagnóstico definitivo de compressões lateralizadas por DDIV cervical. A recuperação clínica pós-operatória foi avaliada nos pacientes decorridos, no mínimo, dois meses do procedimento cirúrgico. Houve recuperação satisfatória em 19 cães (95%) e um insatisfatório (5%), demonstrando melhora clínica significativa (p<0,05) no emprego desta técnica em casos de compressões lateralizadas. A fenda ventral promove recuperação clínica satisfatória de cães com compressões lateralizadas da medula espinhal, ocasionadas pela DDIV cervical, e pode ser indicada como alternativa cirúrgica.

Physical therapy treatment in the functional recovery of dogs submitted to head and femoral neck ostectomy: 20 cases / Tratamento fisioterapêutico na recuperação funcional de cães submetidos à ostectomia da cabeça e colo femoral: 20 casos

Patients who undergo excisional surgical procedures such as femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHO) require a postoperative rehabilitation plan which includes different physical therapy modalities. Therefore, this retrospective study was done to demonstrate the different physical therapy modalities utilized in 20 dogs who were subjected to FHO, and to provide data on the frequency of physical therapy modalities, the protocol duration and time interval from the commencement of physiotherapy and surgery and the patients functional recovery. All the protocols included the modalities of thermotherapy (heat), massage, passive stretching and passive joint movement. In the initial phase, electrotherapy and therapeutic ultrasound were most often used, while the water treadmill was continued until the treatment was completed. Physiotherapy sessions varied from 3 to 50 in number, and physiotherapy was commenced from day 5 until day 214 post the surgical procedure. The functional recovery of the limb was in the following range: 65% (13/20) satisfactory, 25% (5/20) partially satisfactory and 10% (2/20) unsatisfactory. Physical therapy treatment was thus concluded to be most influential in the functional recovery of the limb, even if was started late.(AU)

Um plano de reabilitação no pós-operatório incluindo diferentes modalidades fisioterapêuticas é de suma importância em pacientes submetidos à procedimentos cirúrgicos excisionais como a ostectomia da cabeça e colo femoral (OCCF). Sendo assim, o objetivo desse estudo retrospectivo foi demonstrar as diferentes modalidades fisioterapêuticas empregadas nos 20 cães após OCCF e fornecer dados referentes à frequência das modalidades fisioterapêuticas, a duração dos protocolos e o tempo entre o início da fisioterapia e a cirurgia e a recuperação funcional do paciente. A termoterapia (calor), a massagem, o alongamento passivo e a movimentação passiva articular foram as modalidades empregadas em todos os protocolos. A eletroterapia e o ultrassom terapêutico foram as mais utilizadas na fase inicial e, a esteira aquática foi mantida até o final do tratamento. O número de sessões de fisioterapia variou de 3 a 50 e o início da fisioterapia de 5 a 214 dias após o procedimento cirúrgico. Quanto à recuperação funcional do membro, em 65% (13/20) foram satisfatórias, em 25% (5/20) parcialmente satisfatórias e em 10% (2/20) insatisfatórias. Pode-se concluir que o tratamento fisioterapêutico influenciou na recuperação funcional do membro, mesmo que iniciado tardiamente.(AU)

Fraturas e luxações vertebrais em cães / Vertebral fractures and luxation in dogs

Background: Vertebral fractures and luxations (VFL) are a major cause of neurologic injury in small animals. They aremost commonly associated with severe external trauma from road traffic accidents, aggression, or falls from heights. Therewere few studies concerning VFL, mainly on results of treatments and sequelae. This retrospective work aimed to studypatients with extrinsic trauma in the spinal cord that were treated at the Neurology and Neurosurgery Service of a HigherEducation Institution in Brazil from 2007 to 2018, describing main etiologies, location of lesion, degree of neurologicaldysfunction, treatment, results and sequelae after surgical or conservative therapy.Materials, Methods & Results: One hundred and nine dogs of various breed and ages were included in this study. Themain etiology of the spinal cord injury in these dogs were fractures and/or dislocations caused by road traffic accidents(66%), followed by interaction with other animals (5.5%). The body region most frequently affected by the lesions were thethoracolumbar segment (T3-L3) of the vertebral spine (52.3%), followed the lumbosacral segment [L4-S3] (38.5%). Thedegrees of the most prevalent neurological dysfunctions for each of the segments were grade V in 73.7% of the dogs withlesions between T3-L3, and grade III in 54.8% of the dogs with lesions in L4-S3. Twenty-one tutors of dogs subjected tosurgery and 20 tutors of dogs that underwent clinical treatment could be contacted by phone. Statistical analysis performedon data from these patients indicated that there was no significant correlation between the motor recovery and the type oftreatment instituted. However, when the degree of motor dysfunction was analyzed in conjunction with recovery, mildergrades were found to be accompanied by the best recovery results.Discussion: Road traffic accidents were the most common cause of damage to the spinal cord, a finding described inother studies on...(AU)

A rare retrobulbar and chiasmal meningioma in a dog / Meningioma raro retrobulbar e de quiasma óptico em cão

ABSTRACT: A 14-year-old female Dachshund was referred to a veterinary hospital with a history and signalment of head pressing, compulsive walking, and right circling. At ophthalmologic examination, a mature cataract and absence of photomotor reflex in the right eye were observed. The neurological exam revealed multifocal encephalic signs. At necropsy, a conical solid tan mass was observed involving the right optic nerve throughout its extension to the optic chiasm. Histopathological findings confirmed a retrobulbar papillary meningioma, considered rare and seldom included as differential diagnosis in patients with neurological signs.

RESUMO: Uma fêmea Dachshund de 14 anos de idade foi encaminhada para um hospital veterinário universitário com histórico e manifestação de "head pressing", andar compulsivo e em círculos para o lado direito. No exame oftalmológico foi diagnosticado catarata matura bilateral e ausência de reflexo fotomotor pupilar no olho direito. O exame neurológico revelou sinais encefálicos multifocais. Na necropsia, uma massa sólida cônica, branco-amarelada, foi observada envolvendo o nervo óptico em toda a sua extensão até o quiasma óptico. O exame histopatológico confirmou diagnóstico de meningioma papilar retrobulbar, considerado raro e pouco incluído no diagnóstico diferencial de pacientes com sinais neurológicos.