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112 Section II: Intracranial Procedures

A B

Figure 11.4 (A) Curvilinear (horseshoe) incision is made beginning just caudal and medial to the lateral canthus of the eye, to the dorsal midline and then
curving caudally and ventrally to behind the ear. (B) Reflected temporalis muscle.

Frontal Parietal
Lacrimal
Occipital
Maxilla

Nasal Temporal

Sphenoid
Incisive

Zygomatic

Palatine Pterygoid
Figure 11.5 Bones of the canine skull. Source: illustration by Andy Shores.

been described [5]. Figure 11.9 shows the operating room set‐up for
ultrasonography and an ultrasound image of an intraaxial tumor.
In addition, a recent publication describes the use of a stereotactic
apparatus for use in small animals [6].
Often, the exposed cortex must be incised to access the mass. The
approach is always through the gyri and not the sulci to avoid addi-
tional hemorrhage. The texture and coloration of the mass is differ-
ent from normal tissue, but the differences may be slight to
moderate. Borders of the mass and normal cortical tissue are easily
distinguished using ultrasound.
The author utilizes the ultrasonic aspirator unit for removal of
the mass (Figure 11.10). Bipolar cautery and suction can also be
used. The surgeon must be aware of keeping the surrounding
tissues moist and use extreme care to avoid excessive hemorrhage.
In the author’s experience, cortical swelling during the procedure
is often associated with excessive or undetected hemorrhage.
Figure 11.6 Four burr‐holes are made in the skull. Marked lines are the bor- Following removal or debulking of the mass, the field is copi-
ders for the bone flap to complete the craniectomy. ously lavaged with normal saline solution and the site is inspected