Surgical treatment of cervical stenotic myelopathy in horses: 73 cases (1983-1992)
Moore, B.R.; Reed, S.M.; Robertson, J.T.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 203(1): 108-112
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 8407441 Document Number: 415413
Cervical vertebral interbody fusion (n = 63) and dorsal laminectomy (n = 10) were performed for correction of cervical stenotic myelopathy. Neurologic function improved in 77% of horses, and 46% achieved athletic function (racing, race training, or pleasure) after cervical vertebral interbody fusion for static and dynamic spinal cord compression. Neurologic status improved in 4 of 10 horses after dorsal decompression for static lesions. The duration of clinical signs prior to surgical intervention influenced the longterm outcome of cervical vertebral interbody fusion. Seroma formation, implant failure, right laryngeal hemiplegia and colitis were nonfatal complications associated with cervical vertebral interbody fusion. Dorsal laminectomy and cervical vertebral interbody fusion of static compressive lesions located at the fifth through seventh cervical vertebrae were associated with fatal complications, including vertebral body fracture, spinal cord oedema and implant failure.