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Ventral Slot Surgery Dog

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  1. Ventral Slot Surgery Dog
  2. Ventral Slot Surgery Dog Recovery
  3. Ventral Slot Surgery Dog Complications
  4. Ventral Slot Surgery Dog Collar
Hello! My dog Mack (lhasa apso) had the ventral slot procedure done on his neck exactly 2 weeks ago. He had 2 ruptured discs that were causing him extreme pain. He had not lost function of his legs, but he was showing some nerve root pain by lifting up his left paw. They did surgery on him that night and he did great. We got to take him home the next night. We had some issues with him being extremely painful and yelping out in pain, we ended up having to take him back so he could get IV meds. He came home again the next day with a slew of meds, tramadol, methocarbamol, gabapentin, prednisone, and stuff to protect his stomach. I could tell a huge difference he was pretty much pain free for the most part. Still a little slow moving, especially in the morning, but over all a big improvement. He went back yesterday to have his stitches removed and the neuro did all sorts of tests moving his head all around. I was so afraid he was going to scream but he never did. We started decreasing his meds today. He is completely off the tramadol as well as methocarbamol. Those are only as needed. He is still taking the Gabapentin at 100mg every 8 to 12 hours, as well as his prednisone is cut down to 1/8 once a day. He did well yesterday evening, but this morning I had to take him to get his laser treatment, and when I got him out of the car he whined. The doctor told me it would be a very long recovery as far as the pain goes, because the neck is so sensitive. The main reason for this post is because I notice his neck twitching extremely hard. It almost makes his whole head bob sometimes. It was happening at his visit yesterday so I pointed it out to the neuro and he said that it might be something with his nerves, and he reminded me that they did have to go through muscle for the surgery so that spasms could be from that. I am SO worried that he has slipped another disc. I have been so strict with him, carrying him to the bathroom and he NEVER gets out of his cage, just to use the bathroom. But I have read where a dog can slip a disc just walking. I need to hear from someone whose dog has had cervical surgery and what the recovery was like. Is it normal for the dog to be in some pain 2 weeks out? Also do you think the twitching is just part of the healing? I can tell he is still in pain sometimes, especially when he is moving to go to the restroom. Is he just sore? I cant afford another surgery for him. This has already cost me 5 grand.. I need some advice please!!! Thanks!

My dog, a weimaraner, is almost 2 weeks post ventral slot surgery for nerve compression in the cervical spine. I was not prepared for this post-op course. He came home much worse than when he went in. He initially was on a fentanyl patch and now just on gabapentin and the steroids. Myelography was performed in 15 dogs, and in 4 dogs both cranial and caudal myelography were performed (Sande 1992). Radiography of the affected region was performed in all the patients using 4 projections. Based on myelography, we performed the surgery - SLOT (ventral slot decompression) (n = 18) when the.

What to expect when your pet has neurosurgery with BVNS

Neurologic conditions can be rapidly progressive and in some cases the time between injury and surgery can be the difference between
walking and permanent paralysis, or even life and death. Advanced equipment, and highly trained, experienced staff are needed for these
delicate and complicated surgeries. The emergent nature and intricacy of these procedures can be very stressful for the dog and cat and for
the family that cares for them.

Please know that your pet is in the most caring and capable hands here at BVNS. We want to make this process as stress-free as possible.
While not all the information may apply to your pet specifically, it is our hope that this information will answer your questions and reduce
your stress level during this difficult time. We encourage you to please ask questions at anytime and let us know what more we can do to
make this process easier for you.

Before Surgery

Food should be taken away 12 hours before surgery (usually after 10pm the night before), but water is fine. Please bring all medications with you in their labeled prescription bottles the morning of your appointment.

Disk Surgery

The goal of surgery is to remove the disc material that has 'slipped' and is pressing on the spinal cord and/or nerve root, which is
causing pain and/or weakness. In general, a ventral slot procedure is done to remove a herniated disc in the neck and a
hemilaminectomy is done to remove ruptured disc material in the back.

A fenestration may be performed at the remaining disc spaces that are thought to be at risk for herniation. This procedure involves
cutting a window in the outer fibrous rim of the disc, followed by extraction of the calcified or dehydrated center. This can reduce
recurrence of clinical signs of disc disease, while allowing normal motion and pain-free movement following surgery.

Other Surgeries Performed by BVNS

Ventral slot surgery dog recovery
  • Routine and emergency brain surgery for tumors and traumatic injury
  • Foramen magnum decompression for caudal occipital malformation
  • Ventricular peritoneal shunt placement for hydrocephalus
  • Spinal cord tumor removal
  • Decompression, culture, and biopsy of infectious disease processes
  • Muscle and nerve biopsy
Ventral slot surgery dog recovery

Hospitalization

The in hospital recovery period typically lasts 1-3 days. Recovery is predicted by the duration of the problem, neurologic function going into surgery, and findings on MRI or CT. After surgery, your pet generally requires supportive care which may include intravenous pain medication, muscle relaxants, stomach protectants, fluids, and occasionally anxiety medication. Your pet my also need help eliminating. Animals are discharged from the hospital once they are eating and urinating on their own and comfortable.

Surgery

Communications

We will make every effort to show you and explain the results of the advanced imaging tests before surgery is performed. In the event of an emergency procedure we may not be able to review the images with you prior to surgery.

Patient Care During the Day

A full neurologic examination is performed first thing in the morning on all hospitalized patients and during the day your pet is cared for by the licensed veterinary technicians. Once examined, you will be updated as to your pet's progress. You should expect a call with an update on your pet both by late morning after examination.

Ventral Slot Surgery Dog

Overnight Care

Overnight, the staff of the emergency and critical care department will be caring for your pet. They are under the direct supervision of an experienced veterinarian and a BVNS neurologist or resident neurologist is always available to them by phone. You can get an update on your pet during their overnight stay with the emergency and critical care department at:

BluePearl Specialty & Emergency Pet Hospital (Rockville) at 301.637.3228.
The LifeCentre (Leesburg) at 703.777.5755.
BluePearl Richmond at 804.716.4700.
Regional Veterinary Referral Clinic (Springfield) at 703.451.8900.
BluePearl Cherokee Veterinary Emergency and Referral Center (Woodstock/Atlanta) at 678.909.1700.

Ventral Slot Surgery Dog
  • Routine and emergency brain surgery for tumors and traumatic injury
  • Foramen magnum decompression for caudal occipital malformation
  • Ventricular peritoneal shunt placement for hydrocephalus
  • Spinal cord tumor removal
  • Decompression, culture, and biopsy of infectious disease processes
  • Muscle and nerve biopsy

Hospitalization

The in hospital recovery period typically lasts 1-3 days. Recovery is predicted by the duration of the problem, neurologic function going into surgery, and findings on MRI or CT. After surgery, your pet generally requires supportive care which may include intravenous pain medication, muscle relaxants, stomach protectants, fluids, and occasionally anxiety medication. Your pet my also need help eliminating. Animals are discharged from the hospital once they are eating and urinating on their own and comfortable.

Communications

We will make every effort to show you and explain the results of the advanced imaging tests before surgery is performed. In the event of an emergency procedure we may not be able to review the images with you prior to surgery.

Patient Care During the Day

A full neurologic examination is performed first thing in the morning on all hospitalized patients and during the day your pet is cared for by the licensed veterinary technicians. Once examined, you will be updated as to your pet's progress. You should expect a call with an update on your pet both by late morning after examination.

Ventral Slot Surgery Dog

Overnight Care

Overnight, the staff of the emergency and critical care department will be caring for your pet. They are under the direct supervision of an experienced veterinarian and a BVNS neurologist or resident neurologist is always available to them by phone. You can get an update on your pet during their overnight stay with the emergency and critical care department at:

BluePearl Specialty & Emergency Pet Hospital (Rockville) at 301.637.3228.
The LifeCentre (Leesburg) at 703.777.5755.
BluePearl Richmond at 804.716.4700.
Regional Veterinary Referral Clinic (Springfield) at 703.451.8900.
BluePearl Cherokee Veterinary Emergency and Referral Center (Woodstock/Atlanta) at 678.909.1700.

The First Two Weeks Following Spinal Surgery

Your pet will require medications and occasionally nursing care and physical therapy at home to assist in their recovery. During this recovery period, your pet's weakness, tenderness, or discomfort will slowly improve. The first few days at home you may notice that your pet may urinate and defecate less frequently, seem sore, and not eat and drink as well as before surgery. All medications should be given as prescribed. Please call if you have any questions about medications.

For the first two weeks following surgery please keep your pet crate rested. This means no running, jumping, twisting, turning, or stairs, no playing with housemates, and very limited walking. It is advised that you confine your pet to a playpen or crate and carry them outside for short, leashed walks to eliminate.

A neck harness is required for pets that have had neck surgery and is recommended for ones that have had back surgery as well. A sling can also be useful to provide stability and support until the limbs are fully functional.

The Period Between Two and Six Weeks After Spinal Surgery

We ask that you return about 10 to 14 days following surgery so we can remove the staples, evaluate your pet's progress, and initiate a walking program consisting of progressively longer leashed walks. Please call about 5 days after surgery with an update and to schedule this no-charge appointment.

Ventral Slot Surgery Dog Recovery

We ask that you return again at 6 weeks following surgery for a 6-week post-opertative examination. After this time, your pet can slowly return to normal activity. If your pet becomes painful or weak, restart crate rest and please call us.

Rehab

At home rehab might include hot and cold packs to the incision, or massage and range of motion exercises. If additional therapy is needed, we will refer you to a rehab facility. Please ask us for referral information.

Communicating With Your Veterinarian

Ventral Slot Surgery Dog Complications

Your veterinarian will receive a summary of the consultation, diagnostic tests, and surgery, and updates by phone, fax, or mail. Miami to key west poker run route maps.

Please call us, your primary care veterinarian, or your local ER if your pet:

Ventral Slot Surgery Dog Collar

  • Vomits
  • Is unwilling to eat or drink for 24 hours
  • Has black or persistently loose stool
  • Becomes weaker or more painful
  • Is extremely lethargic
  • Has redness, heat, or pain around the incision
  • Has not urinated for 24 hours, is persistently dribbling
  • urine, or has a foul-smelling or dark-colored urine
  • Has not defecated for 5 days




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