MINI HEMILAMINECTOMY FOR REMOVAL OF DISC EXTRUSION IN A FRENCH BULLDOG: CASE REPORT

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.51571252300715

• Palavras-chave: IDD (intervertebral disc disease), spinal cord, hernia, vertebrae, surgical.

• Keywords: IDD (intervertebral disc disease), spinal cord, hernia, vertebrae, surgical.

• Abstract:

  Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is the main degenerative disease of the spine and one of the leading causes of neurological problems in small animals. Historically, Hansen and Olsson classified it into Type I (chondroid degeneration, disc mineralization, and acute spinal cord compression by extrusion) and Type II (fibroid degeneration, slow and progressive compression by protrusion) (Hansen, 1951; 1952; Olsson, 1951; 1952).
  Diagnostic and genetic advances have allowed the identification of variants such as acute non-compressive extrusion (ANNPE), hydrated nucleus pulposus extrusion (HNPE), and intradural/intramedullary extrusions (IIVDE) (De Risio et al., 2009; Brisson, 2010). In addition, the identification of the FGF4 retrogene on chromosome 12 has broadened our understanding of predisposition in chondrodystrophic breeds (Parker et al., 2009; Brown et al., 2017).
  Clinically, Type I IVDD mainly affects young animals, with signs varying according to the location, extent, and duration of compression. In the reported case, a 3-year-old male dog presented with acute hind limb paralysis and pain on palpation; magnetic resonance imaging showed compression at L2-L3, confirming lumbar Type I IVDD. Surgical treatment with mini-hemilaminectomy was performed, allowing immediate decompression of the spinal cord. Surgery is considered the treatment of choice in severe cases, with a favorable prognosis, even when postoperative physical therapy is not fully followed.