Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cranioplasty by means of molded polymethylmethacrylate prosthetic reconstruction after radical excision of neoplasms of the skull in two dogs.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 2003
- Authors:
- Bryant, Karen J et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Surgical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Two dogs with bone tumors in their skulls underwent surgery to remove the tumors, which left parts of their brains exposed. In one case, the surgery also affected the eye sockets. To protect the brain and improve the appearance of the skull, the veterinarians used a special molded plastic implant to cover the area. This method, called cranioplasty, may help dogs who need extensive tumor removal, but there are some potential risks involved. Overall, the treatment aimed to restore both function and appearance for the dogs.
Abstract
Two dogs with osteoma or multilobulated tumor of bone of the skull were treated with large en bloc resections. The resections resulted in exposure of the brain above the horizon line of the remaining calvarium; in 1 dog, the removal of the dorsal orbital rims also exposed both orbits dorsally. Protection of the brain and exposed tissues and restoration of the cosmetic appearance of the skull were attempted by use of molded polymethylmethacrylate prosthetic reconstruction of the calvarium. The technique described involves cranioplasty by use of a preformed molded polymethylmethacrylate implant. Such prosthetic cranioplasty may benefit dogs undergoing radical excision of extensive tumors, and the usefulness and potential complications of its application are discussed.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12839066/