Clinical and histologic evaluation of bilateral hemilaminectomy and deep dorsal laminectomy for extensive spinal cord decompression in the dog.

Various forms of 2 techniques for maximal decompression of the thoracolumbar spinal cord in dogs were evaluated clinically and histologically. Based on the results of this study, the veterinary surgeon could consider the following spinal decompression procedures: (1) deep dorsal laminectomy over 1 vertebra; (2) bilateral hemilaminectomy on 1 vertebra, with removal of articular processes and dorsal spinal plating; and (3) bilateral hemilaminectomy on 2 vertebrae, with the articular processes left intact. Of these 3, the 1st and 3rd techniques would probably be considered for use more often than the 2nd. Deep dorsal laminectomy over 2 vertebrae should be considered with reservation. Bilateral hemilaminectomy on 2 vertebrae, with rigid dorsal spinal plating and without articular processes at the ends of the defect, should not be used. Before using one of the techniques, the surgeon should consider the indications, advantages, and disadvantages for that technique.