Effect of craniectomy/durotomy alone and in combination with hyperventilation, diuretics, and corticosteroids on intracranial pressure in clinically normal dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of craniectomy and durotomy on intracranial pressure (ICP) in clinically normal dogs.


METHODS
Two-part study (experiments A and B) involving craniectomy and durotomy, with and without treatments to lower ICP.


METHODS
Six (experiment A) and 7 (experiment B) healthy dogs.


METHODS
In experiment A, craniectomy was performed in combination with durotomy, diuretic administration, methylprednisolone sodium succinate administration, and hyperventilation, and effect of these manipulations on ICP was determined. In experiment B, dogs had only craniectomy and durotomy without associated ICP-lowering treatments. During both experiments, ICP was monitored throughout the surgical procedure with a fiber optic ICP monitoring device.


RESULTS
Intracranial pressure decreased after the combination of craniectomy, durotomy, and other ICP-lowering treatments in dogs of experiment A. Similar magnitude of decrease in ICP was observed in dogs of experiment B after craniectomy and durotomy.


CONCLUSIONS
Comparison of these experiments indicate that surgical removal of overlying skull and incision of the dura mater can significantly decrease ICP in clinically normal dogs.


CONCLUSIONS
Craniectomy and durotomy may be useful as an adjunct treatment for increased ICP.
Bagley
R S
RS
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman 99164-6610, USA.
Harrington
M L
ML
Pluhar
G E
GE
Keegan
R D
RD
Greene
S A
SA
Moore
M P
MP
Gavin
P R
PR
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D001794:Blood Pressure; D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000187:drug effects; D003399:Craniotomy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D004232:Diuretics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004285:Dogs / Q000502:physiology*; D004388:Dura Mater / Q000502:physiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005665:Furosemide / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006985:Hyperventilation / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007427:Intracranial Pressure / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012016:Reference Values
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D004232:Diuretics; D005665:Furosemide; D008775:Methylprednisolone