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Original Article - Research
Influence of Durotomy on Laser-Doppler Measurement of Spinal Cord Blood Flow in Chondrodystrophic Dogs with Thoracolumbar Disk Extrusion
Article first published online: 4 NOV 2011
DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-950X.2011.00909.x
© Copyright 2011 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Additional Information
How to Cite
Blaser, A., Lang, J., Henke, D., Doherr, M. G., Adami, C. and Forterre, F. (2012), Influence of Durotomy on Laser-Doppler Measurement of Spinal Cord Blood Flow in Chondrodystrophic Dogs with Thoracolumbar Disk Extrusion. Veterinary Surgery, 41: 221–227. doi: 10.1111/j.1532-950X.2011.00909.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 16 FEB 2012
- Article first published online: 4 NOV 2011
- Manuscript Accepted: SEP 2010
- Manuscript Received: DEC 2009
- Abstract
- Article
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- Cited By
Objectives
To assess influence of durotomy on spinal cord blood flow (SCBF) in chondrodystrophic dogs with thoracolumbar disk extrusion.
Study design
Prospective cohort study.
Animals
Chondrodystrophic dogs with thoracolumbar disk extrusion (n = 11).
Methods
Diagnosis was based on neurologic signs, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and surgical confirmation. Regional SCBF was measured 3 times intraoperatively by laser-Doppler flowmetry: (1) before surgical decompression; (2) immediately after decompression by hemilaminectomy-durotomy; and (3) after 15 minutes of lesion lavage. A standardized hemilaminectomy and durotomy performed by the same neurosurgeon, was used to minimize factors that could influence measurement readings.
Results
A significant increase in intraoperative SCBF was found immediately after spinal cord decompression and durotomy in dogs but SCBF returned to previous levels or lower after 15 minutes of lavage. Changes in SCBF were not associated with duration of clinical signs; neurologic status, degree of spinal cord compression, or signal intensity changes as assessed by MRI.
Conclusion
Durotomy does not increase SCBF in dogs with disk extrusion associated spinal cord compression.