Neurological surgery
Hemilaminectomy (IVDD)
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is the most common spinal disease in dogs and is also seen occasionally in cats. The most common spinal surgery performed in the dog is for intervertebral disc disease.
Intervertebral discs are fibrocartilaginous cushions between the vertebrae (except the first two cervical vertebrae) that allow movement, are supportive and act as shock absorbers. They consist of a fibrous outer rim, the annulus fibrosis, and a jelly like centre, the nucleus pulposus. Intervertebral disc degeneration results in diminished shock-absorbing capacity, and can ultimately lead to disc herniation and spinal cord compression.
Neurological surgery
Spinal Tumor
(Meningioma)
Meningiomas are among the most common brain tumors in dogs, accounting for about 40% of all canine primary brain tumors. Meningiomas are more common in large breed dogs, and frequently occur in dogs older than 10 years. Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Miniature Schnauzers are predisposed to the development of meningiomas. Meningiomas are classified into three types: benign (Grade I), atypical (Grade II), and anaplastic (Grade III or malignant). In dogs, the incidence of Grade I tumors is 50-60%, 40-45% for Grade II tumors, and < 5% for Grade III tumors.
Neurological surgery
Ventral Slot (IVDD)
The ventral slot technique is a procedure that allows the surgeon to reach and decompress the spinal cord and associated nerve roots from a ventral route in veterinary medicine. There are also alternative ways to open the spinal canal from dorsal by performing a hemilaminectomy, but this often gives only limited access. Even when the main pathological changes evolve from the midline, it is necessary to choose a ventral approach.