Dorsal Laminectomy Techniques in the Dog

The effects of various lengths of complete dorsal laminectomy were compared with the effects of Funkquist method B laminectomy on the spinal cord of dogs. Complete dorsal laminectomies were done on L1 (group 1), L1 and L2 (group 2), and L1, L2, and L3 (group 3). Dogs of group 4 had Funkquist method B laminectomies on L1 and L2. Complete dorsal laminectomy on 1 vertebra and Funkquist method B laminectomy on 2 vertebrae did not result in any clinically untoward signs. In conjuction with these results, there was no dorsoventral flattening of the spinal cords and minimal microscopic damage within the spinal cords. If 2 or 3 vertebrae had a complete laminectomy, tonic spasticity of the pelvic limbs developed after surgery. Dorsoventral flattening of the spinal cord and moderate to severe microscopic damage were seen in the spinal cords of these dogs.