Early recognition and intervention are the keys to a successful outcome. The most likely cause of your dog's problem is intervertebral disc disease. The definitive diagnosis will be made by evaluation of radiographs, the myelogram films, and the cerebrospinal fluid. If one of these unexpected diagnoses is made, the problem will be discussed with you before proceeding. It is also possible that the treatment option may be changed from surgery to medical or vice versa.
Time is critical with neurological problems.
Once the initial examination is completed, diagnostics are performed. When the onset of symptoms is sudden or if the symptoms are severe, it is usually important that we receive permission to proceed from the myelogram to surgery. This saves valuable time, eliminates the need for a second anesthesia, is most cost effective for the owners, and in most cases, improves the prognosis. We would like to discuss your animals progress each day during hospitalization. The length of stay usually ranges from one to four days.