SUBARACHNOID-SUBARACHNOID SHUNTING FOR TREATMENT OF SUBARACHNOID CEREBROSPINAL FLUID FLOW OBSTRUCTION IN 9 DOGS

摘要

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow in the subarachnoid space can be impeded by developmental anomalies of the subarachnoid space (i.e. diverticula) or acquired adhesions in older animals. Developmental lesions can occur in any type of dog and clinical signs typically present in animals less than one year old; acquired lesions appear to be most common in middle-aged and older small dogs, notably pugs. Clinical signs include progressive proprioceptive ataxia and, at later stages, fecal and urinary incontinence. Traditional surgical treatment of acquired subarachnoid adhesions (constrictive myelopathy) is associated with unreliable outcomes. Here we report on the surgical procedure and outcome using subarachnoid-subarachnoid shunting as a means of bridging the area of adhesion.