Craniectomies for dogs with skull multilobular osteochondrosarcoma using the Misonix bone scalpel: cadaveric evaluation and retrospective case series.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the Misonix bone scalpel (MBS) for craniotomies in dogs and describe clinical findings and surgical experience in three dogs with large multilobular osteochondrosarcoma (MLO) of the skull.

STUDY DESIGN: Cadaver evaluation and retrospective case series.

ANIMALS: One canine cadaver; three client-owned dogs.

METHODS: Craniotomies of different sizes and at different locations were performed with MBS. Dural tear and bone discoloration were recorded. Clinical, imaging, and surgical findings of dogs diagnosed with MLO and where MBS was used for craniectomies were retrospectively included.

RESULTS: Cadaveric evaluation identified MBS as an efficient tool for rapid craniectomies (> 5minutes) albeit dural tears and some small foci of bone discoloration were observed. Craniectomies could be performed without complications in three dogs with MLO without dural tear or bone discoloration. .Excision was in complete in all cases. The short-term outcome was good, and the long-term outcome was fair to good.

CONCLUSION: Piezoelectric bone surgery with the Misonix bone scalpel is an alternative technology to perform craniectomies in dogs. It was not associated with complications in 3 dogs diagnosed and surgically treated for MLO. Dural tears and suspected bone necrosis can occur. Great care should be taken when using CT to establish disease free surgical osteotomy.