Retrospective evaluation of surgical outcome after closure of durotomy in eight dogs affected by spinal subarachnoid diverticulum

• Main Authors: Simone Spinillo, Lorenzo Golini, Massimo Mariscoli, Luca Motta
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Tripoli University 2020-11-01
• Series: Open Veterinary Journal
• Subjects: arachnoid cyst; durotomy; spinal cord; subarachnoid cyst; subarachnoid diverticulum
• Online Access: https://www.openveterinaryjournal.com/OVJ-2020-07-258%20S.%20Spinillo%20et%20al.pdf

Background: Canine spinal subarachnoid diverticulum has been studied since 1968 and few advancements have been made with regards to the treatment of this disease. Several surgical techniques have been proposed which include durectomy, fenestration and/or marsupilisation with the latter two regarded as the more favourable surgical treatments. Aim: In this retrospective study we evaluated the closure of the durotomy incision in the treatment of canine spinal subarachnoid diverticulum. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated eight dogs with clinical signs and MRI findings consistent with spinal subarachnoid diverticulum located in the cervical and thoracolumbar area. This was to determine whether the fenestration with closure of durotomy was superior to the marsupialization technique. In all dogs, fenestration and removal of subarachnoid adherences alongside closure of the durotomy were performed. Results: Mild post-operative deterioration was observed in all dogs. Follow-up from 7 to 36 months indicated a satisfactory outcome. Conclusion: We conclude that the closure of durotomy has similar short and long-term outcomes compared to the previous reported studies. These results suggest the closure of durotomy is a viable technique for spinal subarachnoid diverticulum.