Removal of a com-pressive spinal lesion relies on radi-ographic confirmation and precise localization of the lesion. The pediculec-tomy technique was used to expose and remove the compressing spinal mass in 32 dogs with thoracolumbar disease. The dogs, all Dachshunds, were classified on the basis of 2 neurologic examinations as having a good, fair, poor, or very poor prognosis, Lumbar myelography was performed to confirm the clinical and suspected radi-ographic diagnosis and to determine the level ofthe lesion and its circumferential location. A modified pediculectomy procedure was performed in all dogs. The procedure involves removal of the lateral bony wall of the spinal canal between the vertebral body and the diarthrodial articulation processes. Less invasive than other s'pinal decompression techniques, pediculectomy results in minimal surgical trauma to the spinal cord. The articular processes and di-arthrodial joint remain intact (Fig 3), Exercise was encouraged after the dogs were awake and had received assistance to stand. Postoperative status was evaluated daily during hospitalization, and posthospitalization follow-up occurred at 3 weeks and again at 3 months.
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