Outcomes of nonsurgical treatment for congenital thoracic vertebral body malformations in dogs: 13 cases (2009–2016)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To characterize outcomes following nonsurgical treatment of congenital thoracic vertebral body malformations causing neurologic deficits in dogs. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 13 client-owned dogs treated nonsurgically for congenital thoracic vertebral body malformations at 3 veterinary referral hospitals from June 2009 through May 2016. PROCEDURES Data were extracted from the medical records regarding dog signalment, duration and type of clinical signs before referral, general physical and neurologic examination findings, radiographic and MRI findings, and treatments provided after diagnosis. Follow-up data were obtained from records of recheck examinations and via a standardized owner questionnaire. RESULTS All included dogs were screw-tail brachycephalic breeds with a median age of 6 months. All dogs had ambulatory paraparesis and ataxia, and in 1 dog, signs of spinal hyperesthesia could be elicited. Nonsurgical treatments consisted of restricted exercise without (n = 5) or with (3) physiotherapy, physiotherapy without restricted exercise (3), and no exercise modification (2). Seven dogs received additional nonsurgical treatment consisting of prednisolone (n = 5) or gabapentin (2). Four dogs were eventually euthanized because of progressive neurologic deterioration, 2 underwent surgery for the same reason, and the remaining 7 dogs survived for ≥ 170 days after diagnosis, despite progressive neurologic deterioration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Nonsurgical treatment of congenital thoracic vertebral body malformations was associated with an unfavorable outcome in this group of dogs. Despite this treatment, all dogs had progression of clinical signs.

Comparison of signalment and computed tomography findings in French Bulldogs, Pugs, and English Bulldogs with and without clinical signs associated with thoracic hemivertebra

“…Thoracic radiographs did however not disclose any kyphosis when the dog was only 2 months old . Kyphosis also has been reported to progress in dogs treated medically for thoracic hemivertebra …”

Tail end of the brachycephalic problem: diagnostic and treatment options for spinal malformations

“…Treatment depends on the type of spinal malformation, but in most cases surgery is recommended as most of these disorders do not respond well to conservative management with anti‐inflammatory medications and rest (Mauler and others 2017, Wyatt and others 2018). Surgical techniques including decompression, stabilisation and distraction have been used for different types of malformations.…”

“…Vertebral body formation defects causing severe kyphosis are best treated surgically as response to medical management is poor (Wyatt and others 2018). A variety of surgical techniques have been reported using dorsal or transthoracic approaches.…”

Transthoracic Vertebral Distraction and Stabilization in 10 Dogs with Congenital Thoracic Vertebral Malformations

“…13 Medical management of CTVBM has been associated with an unfavourable outcome, leading to the progression of clinical signs in all cases despite the treatment, as reported in one publication. 14 However, a few cases have described surgical correction of this type of malformations using different techniques. In those publications where the efficacy has been evaluated, the results have been acceptable in the majority of cases.…”