Use of a titanium mesh for cranioplasty following radical rostrotentorial craniectomy to remove an ossifying fibroma in a dog

Abstract

A 6-year-old Australian Terrier was evaluated for surgical removal of an ossifying fibroma of the left calvarium of 7 months' duration. Computed tomography revealed invasion of the mass through the left parietal bone and extension into the epidural space of the brain. A left rostrotentorial and frontal bone craniectomy was performed, and the mass was removed, along with a 1-cm margin of grossly normal bone. Cranioplasty was performed with a combination of porcine submucosa, titanium mesh, and screws. The dog recovered from surgery without complications and was discharged 3 days later. The dog was followed up for 24 months after surgery and has remained clinically normal. Findings suggested that rostrotentorial craniectomy is a viable option for removal of benign tumors affecting the parietal bones in dogs. Reconstruction of the resulting defect in the calvarium is possible with a combination of porcine submucosa and rigid titanium mesh.