Management of disc-associated wobbler syndrome with a partial slot fenestration and position screw technique |
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| Authors: | J P Queen A R Coughlan C May † D Bennett ‡ J Penderis ‡ |
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| Institution: | Department of Veterinary Clinical Science and Animal Husbandry, University of Liverpool, PO Box 147, Liverpool L69 3BZ;*Animal Medical Centre, 511 Wilbraham Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 1UF;?Grove veterinary Hospital, 1–2 Hibbert Street, New Mills, Stockport SK12 3JJ;?Department of Small Animal Studies, University of Glasgow Veterinary School, Bearsden Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1QH |
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| Abstract: | A previously unpublished surgical technique for the management of disc-associated wobbler syndrome is described. A series of 17 middle-aged dobermanns (mean age 7·4 years) with this condition were managed by a technique of partial slot fenestration and position screw fixation of the affected disc space (C6/7 in all cases). One patient was lost to follow-up and, of the remaining 16 cases, 13 improved following surgery (81 per cent). The three failures were a consequence of incorrect placement of one of the screws. Careful evaluation of immediate postoperative radiographs allows this problem to be identified; the screw can then be correctly repositioned with an immediate return to surgery. |
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