Surgical decompression of a caudal vertebral disc extrusion in a dog, without dorsal laminectomy or foraminotomy

Authors: Park S, Goldsmid S
Publication: Australian Veterinary Practitioner, Volume 49, Issue 4, pp 110-115, Dec 2019
Publisher: Australian Veterinary Association

Animal type: Dog
Subject Terms: Animal remedies/veterinary medicines, Clinical examination
Article class: Clinical Report

---

Abstract:

CASE REPORT: A six-year-old male neutered Maltese x Poodle dog was referred to our hospital with a 3-week history of low tail carriage, decreased tail movement and pain around the tail base. Clinical examination at presentation revealed marked and consistent pain response on dorsi-flexion of the tail. No other neurological deficits were noted. Right-sided lateral intervertebral disc extrusion between the first and second caudal vertebrae (Cd1-2), with subsequent nerve root compression, was diagnosed by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging examinations. At surgery, the right intervertebral foramen between Cd1-2 was gently probed with a blunt nerve root probe and a large amount of mineralized disc material was removed. The Cd1-2 right nerve root appeared to be adequately decompressed by the removal of the extruded disc material. Post-operative CT images showed removal of the disc material and empty Cd1-2 foramen on the right. By day 7 post-operatively, the owner observed marked improvement in the dog’s behaviour, activity and tail position. At day 14 he was ambulating well with the tail in a dorsi-flexed position and no pain was elicited on palpation around the tail base area.

CONCLUSION: Caudal intervertebral disc extrusion should be considered when patients are presented with pain associated with caudal vertebrae, tail manipulation and defecation, as well as abnormal tail carriage. A technique without laminectomy may be considered if the extruded disc material is accessible.

KEYWORDS: Intervertebral disc disease, disc extrusion, caudal vertebrae, dog

---