Two-year-old dachshund Bailey was in severe pain and lame and weak in his left foreleg which quickly progressed so that he was unable to walk.
He was swiftly referred to us where he was diagnosed with a severe haemorrhage within his spinal cord that led to the formation of an intramedullary haematoma (large pool of mostly clotted blood), which was causing severe compression and swelling in his spinal cord.
Our Head of Neurology Ed Ives and one of our Neurology Residents Tomas Elvira, performed intricate spinal surgery to safely remove the blood clot.
Tomas explained: “An MRI of Bailey’s cervical vertebral column revealed an extensive intramedullary haematoma at the level of the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae (C5-C6) in his spine. Different blood tests were performed to rule out possible underlying causes for spontaneous bleeding and they were all normal. The final diagnosis was presumptive primary hematomyelia (hemorrhage occurring within the spinal cord without an identifiable cause). These unusual MRI findings were discussed with the owners, along with the pros and cons of medical and surgical management for the treatment of an intramedullary hematoma. Given the fact Bailey was severely affected and his signs were progressive and given the possibility of active bleeding, immediate surgical treatment was elected to give him the best chance of recovery.”
They performed a dorsal laminectomy at the level of the affected vertebrae (C5 and C6), which is a surgical procedure that involves removing a small window of bone over the top of the spinal column to expose the spinal cord. Bailey’s spinal cord itself was swollen and discoloured so they performed a durotomy (opening of the spine’s outer membrane) and there was marked herniation of the cord, caused by the increased intramedullary pressure. They then had to perform a midline myelotomy (incision into the midline of the spinal cord) so they could identify and carefully remove the large intramedullary haematoma.
Bailey was hospitalised with us for two weeks being monitored and nursed day and night by our dedicated team as he recovered from surgery before being allowed home to continue his long road to recovery with controlled rehabilitation, exercise and physiotherapy.
Bailey gradually improved and at the last recheck eight weeks after surgery he was almost back to his normal self with only mild lameness/weakness in his left forelimb.
His relieved owner said: “Bailey means everything to me and my husband. He is our miracle dog and we’re so thankful that he is once again enjoying his life. The care he received at Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists was exceptional. Without them I’m sure we wouldn’t still have the happy and lovely Bailey in our lives. Now, after the expert care he was given by all the staff, we hope we have him for many years to come.
I must admit we were in utter shock and extremely concerned, though, when we were told how serious and how rare his condition was. We were advised that he needed immediate surgery to stop the bleeding and relieve pressure inside the spinal cord but there was no guarantee of the outcome. We were also aware that this operation was unique, but they were terrific. We were informed on his progress every morning and were able to visit him after a week. The first few weeks after his operation were very scary but Tomas and the team kept us fully informed and managed our expectations with great empathy and Bailey is now making really good progress.”