Service available at our Pet Care Partners Veterinary Centers
It’s scary when our furry friends start having trouble moving, keeping their balance, or acting out of the blue. Problems with the brain, spinal cord, and nerves can throw a wrench in everything from walking to basic reflexes. Even a tiny issue can mess with your pet’s day-to-day life. But don’t lose hope! Thanks to cutting-edge tests and special spine surgery, so many pets can get back on their feet and feel happy again.
Issues We Often See
Here are some of the most common brain and nerve problems in dogs and cats:
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): Discs in the spine that slip out of place or burst. This can lead to pain, weakness, or even make it impossible for your pet to move.
Seizure Disorders & Epilepsy: Fits that keep happening and get in the way of normal life.
Brain & Spinal Tumors: Lumps that push on nerves or mess up how the brain works.
Wobbler Syndrome: A problem in the neck that makes pets weak and unsteady on their feet.
Degenerative Myelopathy: This spinal cord disease gets worse over time and affects dogs in their later years.
Hydrocephalus: Too much fluid builds up in the brain, causing pressure to rise.
Chiari-like Malformation: In this condition, brain tissue squeezes into the spinal canal, resulting in pain and problems with the nervous system.
Vestibular Disease: These inner ear or brain problems mess with a dog’s balance, often making their head tilt or causing them to walk in circles.
Surgical Options to Help Pets Heal
Based on the diagnosis, doctors might suggest surgery to ease brain or spinal cord pressure, get rid of tumors, or fix damaged areas. Some cutting-edge procedures on offer include:
Hemilaminectomy & Dorsal Laminectomy: Taking out small parts of the vertebrae to reduce spinal cord pressure.
Ventral Slot Surgery: A method to treat slipped discs in the neck.
Spinal Stabilization: Using implants to boost and hold up weak parts of the spine.
Craniotomy: Getting to the brain to remove tumors or lower pressure.
CSF Shunt Placement: Draining extra fluid from the brain in hydrocephalus cases.
Foramen Magnum Decompression: Easing crowding caused by Chiari-like malformations.
Why Families Opt for Advanced Neurological Care
Expert Evaluation: Special imaging and tests help pinpoint the exact cause of your pet’s symptoms.
Tailored Treatment: Each case stands alone—treatment plans are made to fit your pet’s specific needs.
Prioritize Comfort & Recovery: Each stage, from pre-op care to rehab, aims to boost healing and movement.
Caring Support: Families get straightforward updates, realistic outlooks, and kind help throughout the journey.
Recovery & Rehabilitation
Surgery often marks the beginning. To improve recovery, patients can benefit from rehab methods like physical therapy, water-based treatments, and structured exercise routines. These treatments help pets rebuild strength, enhance coordination, and return to a more active, pain-free life.
