Upper Thoracic Disc Disease (T1–T9) in Large-Breed Dogs

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify large-breed dogs with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in the upper thoracic region (thoracic vertebrae 1-9 [T1-T9]). Medical records of all dogs that were diagnosed with IVDD on MRI between February 2008 and September 2011 were reviewed. Of 723 dogs diagnosed with IVDD based on MRI, 527 (72.9%) were small-breed dogs. There were 21 (10.7%) large-breed dogs with IVDD in the T1-T9 region, whereas no small-breed dogs were identified with lesions in that region. The most common upper thoracic lesion sites were T2-T3 (33.3%) and T4-T5 (25.9%). The majority of dogs with T1-T9 lesions were German shepherd dogs (52.4%). Larger, older dogs were more likely to have T1-T9 lesions and more likely to have multiple regions with IVDD, in particular German shepherd dogs (35.1%). Dogs with T1-T9 IVDD were more likely to have IVDD in another region (66.7%). All large-breed dogs presenting with T3-L3 myelopathy should have diagnostic imaging performed of their entire thoracic and lumbar spine.

Post mortem evaluation of spinal cord and protruded intervertebral discs in dogs without neurological abnormalities

“…The presence of multiple protrusions found in 58% of dogs with IVD protrusion in the present study was reported in another study, mainly in the thoracic region of German Shepherd dogs, and interestingly, the authors concluded that in the majority of the dogs the site of compression did not coincide with the site of neurological localization (Gaitero et al 2013). In another study with 723 dogs with IVD degeneration diagnosed by MRI, large-breed dogs were more likely to have multiple regions affected mainly in the T1-T9 region (Hearon et al 2014). The management of multiple protrusions is challenging, and it is a concern if all protrusions play a role in the development of clinical signs.…”

Postoperatives Ergebnis bei Diskopathien des Hundes in Abhängigkeit von Rasse, Lokalisation und Erfahrung des Chirurgen: 1113 Fälle

“…Gründe für die Disposition der Rassen in Bezug auf die Lokalisation von BSV könnten anatomische wie biochemische Unterschiede zwischen den Rassen sein, doch liegen bislang keine wissenschaftlichen Erklärungsansätze vor. Das Fehlen eines Zusammenhangs von Körpergewicht und Alter zur Lokalisation des BSV in dieser Studie steht im Widerspruch zu den Ergebnissen von Hearon et al [15], die bei diesen Parametern eine deutliche Lokalisationsdisposition aufzeigten. Cherrone et al [9] und Tipold et al [33] stellten für BSV in der HWS fest, dass diese bei Hunden < 15 kg vermehrt im kranialen (C2/3) und bei Patienten ≥ 15 kg vermehrt im kaudalen (C6/7) Bereich der HWS lokalisiert waren.…”

An update on hemilaminectomy of the cranial thoracic spine: Review of six cases

“…With the described positioning and surgical approach, we were able to completely remove the compressive pathologic material, whether disc or tumor, in all but one patient. None of the cases experienced immediate post-operative deterioration, which has been a concern in many of the previous reports of cranial thoracic surgery in cats and dogs (Sumner and Simpson, 2007;Bottcher et al, 2008;Gaitero and Añor, 2009;Hearon et al, 2014). Hospitalization time was positively impacted by the lack of postoperative neurologic deterioration as well as lack of postoperative complications.…”

“…Compared with the reported surgical techniques to address cranial thoracic compressive spinal lesions in dogs and cats, one of the main advantages of the hemilaminectomy technique reviewed here includes a less extensive and invasive approach to the vertebrae, thus preserving the supporting ligaments, muscles, and bones such as ribs to maintain vertebral column stability (Parker, 1973;Liptak et al, 1999;Jäderlund et al, 2002;Gaitero and Añor, 2009;Hearon et al, 2014).…”

“…A variety of surgical procedures have been reported in the cranial thoracic spine, including a ventral procedure with surgical division of the sternum (Hearon et al, 2014), partial lateral vertebral body removal (Bottcher et al, 2008), or by removing various portions of the vertebral lamina-described as dorsal, hemidorsal, or modified dorsolateral laminectomies (Parker, 1973;Reidarson et al, 1988;Liptak et al, 1999;Jäderlund et al, 2002;Sumner and Simpson, 2007;Gaitero and Añor, 2009;Hearon et al, 2014). Complications included pneumothorax, rib luxation, subluxation of the spinal column, and immediate post-operative deterioration (Wilkens et al, 1996;Bottcher et al, 2008;Gaitero and Añor, 2009;Hearon et al, 2014). These previously reported surgical techniques have been associated with difficulty positioning the patient for surgery, limited visualization of the surgical site, the need to remove a large amount of thoracic epaxial muscle, and possible spinal destabilization following such as removal of muscle, ligaments (especially the dorsal tendinous raphe and dorsal interspinous ligament), and part of the vertebra, sternum, or ribs.…”