title: L7-S1 fixation-fusion for treatment of cauda equina compression in the dog.
abstract: The L7-S1 fixation-fusion technique for treatment of cauda equina compression was performed on 14 dogs, 13 of which were 6 years old or older, were severely lame, and had ventral bridging spondylitis at the L7-S1 vertebrae. One dog, 3 months old, had a congenital malformation of the L7 vertebra. The principles of the L7-S1 fusion technique were to expand the L7-S1 intervertebral foramina and spinal canal, remove pressure on the nerve roots, and provide stability to the L7-S1 vertebrae. This technique appeared to be applicable clinically for restoring normal function and activity to dogs with cauda equina compression.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002420:Cauda Equina; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000662:veterinary*