title: Cement plug technique for the management of disc-associated cervical spondylopathy in 52 Dobermann Pinscher dogs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report the radiographic and clinical outcome of an intervertebral bone cement plug technique for the management of disc-associated cervical spondylopathy in Dobermann Pinscher dogs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective study of 52 Dobermann Pinscher dogs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A variable degree of cement plug subsidence with loss of vertebral distraction was evident in all dogs (n = 40) that were radiographed >6 weeks postoperatively. In no case was there definitive evidence of vertebral body fusion. Eight dogs had a sudden deterioration in neurological status, cervical hyperaesthesia, or both between three days and 12 weeks following surgery that was considered to be implant-associated; six of these dogs were euthanatized. Following surgery, 43/52 dogs were considered to be neurologically normal or to have improved, however, nine of 43 subsequently deteriorated due to adjacent segment disease. At the long-term follow-up, 34 dogs were considered to be neurologically normal or to have improved. Twenty-nine dogs were dead by the end of the study period.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Intervertebral bone cement plug surgery results in an initial improvement in clinical signs in the majority of Dobermann Pinschers with disc-associated cervical spondylopathy. However, it fails to maintain vertebral distraction or achieve vertebral body fusion, and is associated with acute implant complications, additional cervical disc protrusions or mortality in a significant proportion of cases.
authors.affiliation: W. Malcolm McKee, Willows Referral Service, Highlands Road, Solihull, West Midlands B90 4NH, United Kingdom, Phone: +44 1626891675, E-mail: malcolm.mckee@willows.uk.net.
authors.forename: W Malcolm
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: McKee
authors.forename: Jonathan J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Pink
authors.forename: Toby J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Gemmill
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001843:Bone Cements; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D001843:Bone Cements
keywords: Dobermann; cement plug; cervical disc