Related Experiment Videos
Cervical chemonucleolysis in the dog. A surgical technique
M A Atilola1, C S Bailey, J P Morgan
1Department of Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616.
Veterinary Surgery : VS
|May 1, 1988
Summary
Surgical cervical chemonucleolysis using chymopapain was well tolerated in Beagle dogs. The procedure caused lysis of the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus, with no age or dose-related differences observed.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Surgery
- Comparative Medicine
- Spinal Procedures
Background:
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a common condition in dogs.
- Chemonucleolysis offers a less invasive alternative to surgical discectomy.
- Evaluating novel therapeutic approaches in animal models is crucial for advancing veterinary medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the safety and efficacy of cervical chemonucleolysis in a canine model.
- To evaluate the effects of chymopapain dosage and animal age on the procedure's outcome.
- To provide histological and radiographic evidence of chemonucleolysis's impact on intervertebral discs.
Main Methods:
- Cervical chemonucleolysis was surgically performed on 16 clinically normal Beagle dogs (4 and 10 years old).
- Two dosages of chymopapain (200 U or 500 U) were administered per intervertebral disc.
- Radiographic, gross, and histological examinations were conducted post-procedure.
Main Results:
- The surgical procedure was well tolerated by all dogs.
- Radiographic evidence of disc space narrowing was observed by day 1 post-procedure.
- Gross and histological examinations revealed lysis of the nucleus pulposus and perinuclear annulus fibrosus.
Conclusions:
- Cervical chemonucleolysis is a safe and effective procedure in Beagle dogs.
- Chymopapain effectively lyses the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus.
- No significant differences were observed based on the age of the dogs or the dosage of chymopapain used.