title: Risk factors for early post-operative neurological deterioration in dogs undergoing a cervical dorsal laminectomy or hemilaminectomy: 100 cases (2002-2014).
abstract: Early post-operative neurological deterioration is a well-known complication following dorsal cervical laminectomies and hemilaminectomies in dogs. This study aimed to evaluate potential risk factors for early post-operative neurological deterioration following these surgical procedures. Medical records of 100 dogs that had undergone a cervical dorsal laminectomy or hemilaminectomy between 2002 and 2014 were assessed retrospectively. Assessed variables included signalment, bodyweight, duration of clinical signs, neurological status before surgery, diagnosis, surgical site, type and extent of surgery and duration of procedure. Outcome measures were neurological status immediately following surgery and duration of hospitalisation. Univariate statistical analysis was performed to identify variables to be included in a multivariate model. Diagnoses included osseous associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (OACSM; n = 41), acute intervertebral disk extrusion (IVDE; 31), meningioma (11), spinal arachnoid diverticulum (10) and vertebral arch anomalies (7). Overall 54% (95% CI 45.25-64.75) of dogs were neurologically worse 48 h post-operatively. Multivariate statistical analysis identified four factors significantly related to early post-operative neurological outcome. Diagnoses of OACSM or meningioma were considered the strongest variables to predict early post-operative neurological deterioration, followed by higher (more severely affected) neurological grade before surgery and longer surgery time. This information can aid in the management of expectations of clinical staff and owners with dogs undergoing these surgical procedures.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK. Electronic address: ftaylor@rvc.ac.uk.
authors.forename: F E
authors.initials: FE
authors.lastname: Taylor-Brown
authors.affiliation: Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK.
authors.forename: T J A
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Cardy
authors.affiliation: Davies Veterinary Specialists, Manor Farm Business Park, Higham Gobion SG5 3HR, UK.
authors.forename: F X
authors.initials: FX
authors.lastname: Liebel
authors.affiliation: Davies Veterinary Specialists, Manor Farm Business Park, Higham Gobion SG5 3HR, UK.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Garosi
authors.affiliation: Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Kenny
authors.affiliation: Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK.
authors.forename: H A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Volk
authors.affiliation: Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: De Decker
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000662:veterinary; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D007796:Laminectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000662:veterinary; D011184:Postoperative Period; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*
keywords: Cervical; Dog; Dorsal; Hemilaminectomy; Laminectomy