Continuous hemilaminectomy of nine vertebrae can be performed safely in large breed dogs: A case report of a German Shepherd Dog with intervertebral disc extrusion and extensive extradural hemorrhage

Abstract

Background: Extended, continuous hemilaminectomy has only been reported in small to medium-sized dogs so far. It remains unclear whether excessive continuous hemilaminectomy can also be performed safely in large breed dogs.
Case Description: We describe the surgical treatment and clinical outcome of a 5-year-old German Shepherd Dog that presented with paraplegia and deep pain perception following a short episode of bilateral hind-limb lameness, secondary to jumping off of a car. Computed tomography-myelography revealed that the paraplegia originated from extensive extradural spinal cord compression (Th6-L1), due to intervertebral disc extrusion and associated epidural hemorrhage. The dog was treated with a continuous hemilaminectomy involving nine vertebrae (Th6-L1) and recovered completely with no remaining neurological deficits, within 6 months.
Conclusion: The rapid, uncomplicated, and complete functional recovery in the presented case emphasizes the practicability of extensive, continuous hemilaminectomies, also in large breed dogs.