Veterinary neurosurgery

Veterinary neurosurgery

Surgical management is preceded by a neurological examination along with the use of imaging techniques such as myelography (contrast study of the spinal cord), CT, and MRI. Correct diagnosis of the condition is crucial to the choice of modality and surgical technique.

Limb paralysis, paresis and recurrent pain symptoms are reasons to pursue veterinary care. The most commonly diagnosed problem responsible for these symptoms is intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The extent of surgical management depends on the location in the spinal segment, the type of IVDD (Hansen I, Hansen II, Hansen III) and the number of adjacent discs involved. The lesion compressing the core is extracted using techniques such as a laminectomy, hemilaminectomy, fenestration, ventral slot, and others. In the case of the acute course of the condition, the most important factor, besides the degree of damage to the spinal cord, is the time from the onset of paralytic symptoms to surgery. This determines the success of the surgery.

Recuperation after surgery can be spontaneous, but often requires the use of rehabilitation techniques such as laser therapy, kinesiotherapy, magnetotherapy, water treadmill, etc. under the guidance of an experienced specialized physical therapist.

Spinal diseases - surgical and non-surgical treatment

Reluctance to play, lethargy, lowered head, lameness of the thoracic limbs, lack of appetite, curled tail - these are just some of the symptoms that may indicate spinal problems. Diseases of this part of the musculoskeletal system most often affect older and aging animals. However, certain breeds are more predisposed to spinal diseases than others. The most common ailment is intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), a consequence of protrusion, displacement or deformation of the intervertebral discs due to degeneration of the discs. It requires surgical treatment.
We provide Non-operative treatment with subarachnoid or epidural drug administration including the use of IRAP I and IRAP II therapy.

Paresis and paralysis (e.g., cauda equina syndrome)

Domestic pets can suffer from neurological conditions that manifest as paresis or paralysis of the limbs. The cause of such ailments can be lesions caused by, among other things, intervertebral disc disease or spondylosis of the spine. In our veterinary clinic we also encounter the so-called cauda equina syndrome, which manifests itself as wobbliness of the hind limbs and problems with fecal incontinence. Paresis as well as paralysis can occur in dogs, cats and other animals as a result of trauma. Orthopedic surgical treatment of animals with this syndrome is indicated.
We have introduced an innovative method of treating cauda equina syndrome through the epidural application of IRAP I and IRAP II therapy.

Instability of the cervical segment of the spine

The stability of the spine is largely determined by the strength and positions of the ligaments. Their damage can cause instability of the cervical spine. Symptoms of such a condition can include neck soreness, gait disturbances and even paresis or paralysis of the limbs. The main goal of treating cervical spine instability is to stabilize the spine and relieve pressure on the initial segment of the spinal cord. At our veterinary clinic, we use surgical treatment for animals with such conditions.