Emergency decompressive craniectomy for the survival of canine patients victims of severe cranio-encephalic trauma

Abstract

The brain injury caused by the Brain Skull Trauma has two essential components: the primary one related to the mechanical injury caused by the forces of acceleration, deceleration, rotation and compression that act on the skull and brain at the moment of impact and the secondary one that refers to a number of metabolic and biochemical changes that self-perpetuate and aggravate the initial picture. The formation of hematomas and cerebral oedema can lead to an increase in intracranial pressure and compromise of cerebral perfusion and oxygenation. When uncontrolled, intracranial hypertension leads to cerebral herniation and death of the animal. The therapeutic approach to traumatic brain injury and intracranial hypertension is still controversial because there is insufficient clinical and experimental evidence to elaborate a definitive protocol. It is, however, unquestionable that this should be expedient and aggressive.