Neurology and Spinal Surgery Services
Diseases affecting neurology and spinal health greatly influence the mobility, comfort, and daily activities of a pet. Specialized neurology and spinal surgery services are offered at the AV Veterinary Centre in Lancaster/Palmdale for dogs and cats affected by neurological disorders such as brain, spinal cord, or nervous system disorders. The early diagnosis and timely treatment of neurological problems are vital in reducing pain, preserving nerve function, and improving long-term quality of life.
Conditions Treated by Veterinary Neurology Specialists
Genetics, injury, age, and diseases can lead to neurological problems in pets. The neurology staff at the AV Veterinary Centre have extensive experience diagnosing and treating neurological conditions. The conditions commonly treated by our staff include:
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a spinal cord disorder causing compression and pain along the spinal column.
- Seizures and Epilepsy impact the electrical activity of the brain.
- Wobbler Syndrome creates instability and neck pain; affected dogs typically walk with a wide stance and require assistance in maintaining balance.
- Degenerative Myelopathy is a progressive disorder that creates weakness in the back legs of dogs; this condition typically affects large breed dogs over the age of 6 years.
- Vestibular Disease is a disorder resulting in loss of balance and coordination. Dogs with vestibular disease may experience head tilt, circling, or loss of the ability to walk straight.
- Brain Tumors and Spinal Cord Tumors affect the function of the nervous system.
- Spinal Trauma occurs due to fall accidents, vehicular accidents, or injury caused by another pet.
Symptoms such as weakness, paralysis, loss of coordination, head tilt, or changes in behaviour will indicate the need for a visit with a neurologist.
Advanced Diagnostic Imaging and Testing
To make an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan, it is necessary to perform advanced diagnostic imaging and testing. AV Veterinary Center has the best diagnostic tools in Lancaster/Palmdale for finding neurologic disorders.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) to get a very detailed view of the brain and spinal cord
- CT Scans to measure bones and build surgical plans for operations
- CSF (Cerebrospinal Fluid) to see if there is inflammation, infection, or immune-mediated disease
- Electrodiagnostic Testing to analyze the nerve and muscle function.
The veterinary team can then decide which medical therapy, rehabilitation, or surgery to pursue.
Spinal and Brain Surgery Options
When there is a surgical option, it is carefully based on the pet’s neurologic and orthopedic condition, age, and overall health. Some of the surgical services available for pets at AV Veterinary Center are:
- Hemilaminectomy for spinal cord relief due to a disc herniation
- Ventral Slot Surgery for cervical spine decompression
- Spinal Stabilization Procedures for vertebral fractures or instability
- Dorsal Laminectomy to access and decompress affected spinal regions
- Brain Surgery for select brain tumors or structural abnormalities.
All surgery cases have comprehensive Anesthesia Monitoring, Pain Management, and Post-Operative Care protocols that are established for them.
Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Ongoing Support
Following rehabilitation, many pets require restricted activity, rehabilitation exercises, and regular follow-up evaluations in order to heal properly following neurologic or spinal surgery. Physical Rehabilitation will be beneficial after surgery to regain strength, coordination, and mobility. At the AV Veterinary Centre in Lancaster/Palmdale, the care team partners with pet owners to ensure that we provide continuous support and helpful tips during the recovery process, as well as adjusting care plans as necessary.
FAQs
A pet that is struggling with weakness, has trouble walking, exhibits seizures, or is paralyzed and/or is suddenly having trouble balancing should be seen by a veterinarian for a neurological evaluation.
Spinal surgery is not always necessary for all pets with IVDD. In some cases, the condition may be managed with medication and/or restrictions on movement, while in others, the severity of the condition and degree of the neurological deficits will determine the need for surgical intervention.
The time span for recovery from spinal surgery is dependent upon a number of factors, including the type of spinal surgery performed, what conditions that existed prior to the surgery, and how long it took to treat the conditions.
Age alone is not the main factor for determining whether or not an animal is a candidate for surgery. Other factors, such as the overall health of the pet, diagnostic testing results, and quality of life assessments, will also factor into the determination.
