Abstract
Intraoperative ultrasound (IOS) can provide details on various conditions of the spinal cord and vertebral canal. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of using IOS in dogs undergoing spinal surgery and to describe the main findings. The vertebral canal of 21 dogs was examined with intraoperative ultrasonography: 13 underwent spinal surgery for removal of herniated intervertebral disc material, three for stabilization of vertebral fracture/luxation, two for removal of vertebral neoplasia, and three for cauda equina decompression. Particular attention was given to signs of cord compression. Intraoperative ultrasonography was feasible and useful in dogs undergoing surgery for spinal cord or cauda equina decompression and fracture stabilization. It was not paramount for locating the compression when this had been done via computed tomography (CT), but it showed alterations in spinal cord parenchyma not observed on CT and also confirmed adequate decompression of the spinal cord. The main advantages of intraoperative ultrasonography were estimation of vascularization and extent of spinal cord lesion. Most importantly, it allowed real time evaluation of the spinal cord and vertebral canal, which permits the modification of the surgical procedure.
Highlights
Ultrasonography is considered one of the best options for direct intraoperative observation of the vertebral canal and spinal cord regarding the presence of alterations (Galloway et al, 1999)
The other 11 were eligible for intraoperative ultrasound (IOS), but did not have it performed due to scheduling conflicts related to availability of either the ultrasound device or qualified imaging personnel
None of the dogs in this study developed post-operative infections, indicating that the aseptic measures adapted from existing literature (Finn-Bodner et al, 1995; Nanai et al, 2006), were sufficient
Summary
Ultrasonography is considered one of the best options for direct intraoperative observation of the vertebral canal and spinal cord regarding the presence of alterations (Galloway et al, 1999). It is a non-invasive technique, with no contraindications (Naish et al, 2003). Intraoperative ultrasound can provide details on various conditions of the spinal cord and vertebral canal (Tanaka et al, 2005), but it is used mainly in situations where there is spinal compression, such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), stenosis of the vertebral canal, vertebral fractures, and foreign bodies in the vertebral canal (Nanai et al, 2007).
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