Minimally Invasive Transilial Vertebral Blocking to Address Lumbosacral Stenosis in a Bloodhound
A 4-year-old, spayed female Bloodhound presented to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals neurology service with a 4-month history of crying out when rising from recumbency, low tail carriage, and reluctance to exercise. On presentation, the patient demonstrated signs of lumbosacral stenosis syndrome including pain when rising, kyphotic posture, low tail carriage, decreased tail tone, decreased perinea! reflex, and hyperesthesia of the lumbosacral spine. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed steno sis of the spinal canal in the lumbosacral region, including protrusion of the intervertebral disk. The patient underwent a minimally invasive transilial vertebral blocking procedure to reduce dynamic compression of the spinal canal at the lumbosacral joint. Computed tomography confirmed correct placement of the surgical implant. The patient exhibited improvement in comfort and neurological function immediately, and at an 8-week post-operative examination. This procedure represents a minimally invasive method to address lumbosacral stenosis syndrome with decreased surgical and recovery time.