Neurological conditions in pets can range from congenital issues to those acquired later in life due to injury, disease, or aging. Here are some common neurological conditions and surgical treatments for pets, primarily focusing on dogs and cats:
Neurological Conditions in Pets
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
- A condition where the discs between the vertebrae herniate or burst into the spinal cord space, causing pain, nerve damage, and even paralysis.
- Epilepsy
- A disorder characterized by recurrent seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
- Brain Tumors
- Abnormal growths within the brain can affect neurological function.
- Meningoencephalitis
- Inflammation of the brain and its surrounding tissues is often caused by infection or autoimmune disease.
- Wobbler Syndrome
- A condition that affects the cervical vertebrae, leading to a wobbly gait and difficulty walking.
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- A progressive disease of the spinal cord in older dogs leads to hind limb weakness and paralysis.
- Hydrocephalus
- A condition where fluid builds up in the brain, causing increased pressure and potentially brain damage.
- Chiari-like Malformation
- A condition where part of the brain herniates through the skull, leading to pain and neurological symptoms.
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Resulting from trauma, such as being hit by a car or falling from a height.
- Vestibular Disease
- A condition affecting balance leads to symptoms like head tilt, circling, and unsteady gait.
Surgical Treatments for Neurological Conditions
- Hemilaminectomy
- A procedure to remove part of the vertebra to relieve pressure on the spinal cord is commonly performed for IVD.
- Ventral Slot Surgery
- A technique used to remove disc material from the cervical spine to relieve compression.
- Spinal Stabilization
- Procedures that involve the use of implants to stabilize the spine after injury or due to congenital abnormalities.
- Craniotomy
- A surgical procedure to remove a portion of the skull to access the brain, often for tumor removal.
- Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Shunt
- Placement of a shunt to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid, commonly used in cases of hydrocephalus.
- Foramen Magnum Decompression
- Surgery to relieve pressure caused by Chiari-like malformation by removing bone at the back of the skull.
- Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt
- Another type of shunt is used to divert fluid from the brain to the abdominal cavity.
- Surgical Removal of Tumors
- Excision of brain or spinal cord tumors to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Dorsal Laminectomy
- Removing the dorsal part of the vertebra to access the spinal cord for decompression.
