[Changes in the spinal evoked potential induced by lateral compression of the spinal cord in dogs]

The paper deals with the changes of the spinal evoked potential during and after lateral compression of the spinal cord in mongoloid dogs along with the motor recovery seen for a two week period.

Lateral compression was applied to the spinal cord extradurally at a speed of 1 mm per five seconds using a specially designed apparatus after laminectomy. A stimulating electrode was placed at the L5 level on the dorsum of the dura along the midline. Three recording electrodes were placed: one at the T6 level (R1), and the other two just cranially (T12, R2) and caudally to the compression level (L1, R3). The compression was released right after the R1 potential became flat. The dogs were kept alive for two weeks, during which time the evoked potentials were monitored at 1 day, 1 week, and 2 weeks.

1) In the recovery of amplitude, the first potentials were generally better than the second potentials. 2) The latency showed good recovery in 24 hours. 3) Many dogs showed good recovery in their motor function.