Why Your Pet May Need Neurosurgery?

Studies show that neurosurgery is a specialty in both veterinary and human medicine. Many veterinarians apply neurosurgery in their practices worldwide. According to the American Veterinary Medicinal Association, neurologic problems are becoming more vital because of the longer life span of companion animals. As a pet parent, it can be frightening to figure out neuromuscular conditions on your own. If you want to see if neurosurgery is already an option for your pet, here’s what you should know.

 

Seizures

It is often difficult to see your pet have seizures. Before an attack, you may notice your pet stare blankly into space or be a bit unsteady. Your pet may also start to bump into furniture or hide. Drooling, falling on the side, and passing usually come next. While some pets are more vulnerable to idiopathic seizures, the most common cause of seizures in dogs is exposure to toxins. Bring your pet to the vet immediately so that the attacks can be treated or minimized.

 

Stroke

Vet specialists define stroke as the sudden expiration of brain cells in a specific area because of a significant decrease in blood flow. A clot usually forms. There are also cases in which bacteria and pieces of cartilage or fat enter the bloodstream and reach your pet’s brain. Vomiting, appetite loss, weird eye movements, and loss of balance are common stroke symptoms. If your pet has already suffered from a stroke, then you might see side-to-side eye flickering. You should bring your pet to the vet immediately. Your pet is likely to undergo emergency neurosurgery.

 

Paralysis

Symptoms of paralysis include the following:

• General weakness

• Pain

• Limping

• Inability to flex a leg joint

• Unusual gait
   

Your vet will perform diagnostic exams such as MRI or spinal fluid analysis to determine the cause of your pet’s paralysis. It may be necessary to consider neurosurgery.

 

Brain Tumor

Older pets usually develop brain tumors. Once your vet tells you that your pet has a brain tumor, neurosurgery immediately comes to mind. Experts say that it is possible for the tumor to disappear through surgery and subsequent therapies. Two types of brain tumors are common in pets — primary and secondary. Primary tumors start in specific parts of your pet’s brain, while secondary tumors metastasize to the brain from another part of your pet’s body. Veterinary oncologists usually perform diagnostic imaging on the rest of a pet’s body when they spot a brain tumor.

 

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

Veterinarians define IVDD as the degeneration of at least one disc within the spine. These discs serve as shock absorbers for the vertebral column. Since they breakdown or even rupture in IVDD, your pet will experience pain in the extremities, back, and neck. Over time, this condition also affects your pet’s spinal cord. IVDD may be gradual or sudden, especially if your pet just suffered a bad fall.

Neurosurgery is a crucial, life-saving procedure for pets. At Van Lue Veterinary Surgical, we specialize in neurosurgery for pets with possible IVDD. Please visit our clinic in Oviedo, Florida, for an in-person consultation. You can also call us at (321) 348-6300 if you want to schedule an appointment or make inquiries about our neurosurgery packages for IVDD.

References:

https://uwveterinarycare.wisc.edu/small-animal/cats-and-dogs/neurology-neurosurgery/

https://www.vet.upenn.edu/veterinary-hospitals/ryan-veterinary-hospital/services/neurology-neurosurgery