Patients in Stage 3, 4 and 5 are typically considered surgical
candidates with Stage 4 and particularly Stage 5 patients being true surgical emergencies depending on how long clinical signs have been present. There is a research report stating that dogs with Stage 5
disease do not necessarily benefit from emergency surgical intervention. Many practicing veterinary neurosurgeons still believe removing pressure from the injured spinal cord is a variable which we can control and therefore still recommend emergency surgical intervention. Patients can go from unaffected to Stage 4 or 5 within minutes, so a good working relationship for emergency involvement between the primary veterinarians/local emergency centers and SCAN is paramount. SCAN provides 24/7 on-call coverage and can be reached
by primary vets and local emergency centers at any time. Patients in Stages 1-3 have an excellent chance (>95%) of func- tional recovery with surgery. A prophylactic procedure called fenestration is typically performed during surgery and results in reduction of repeat surgical episodes by as much as 98%. Patients with Stage 4 disease have had a more serious spinal
cord injury but with time and postoperative supportive care a majority will still make a functional recovery. Stage 5 disease implies very severe spinal cord damage and has a more guarded prognosis. Percentage of patients making a functional recovery is reported anywhere from 10% to 50%; 35-40% is probably accurate. Recovery time is usually prolonged and recovery sometimes is not complete.
Dogs with Stage 4 and Stage 5 disease can develop an
uncommon but devastating complication called myelomalacia where the spinal cord begins to rapidly deteriorate and essen- tially liquefy both forward and backward from the point of the injury, often resulting in respiratory failure and death. This condition, if it occurs, will usually show up within a few days from the time of injury, although it can develop up to two weeks later in rare instances. Unfortunately this is an untreatable and irreversible condition which typically results in death or euthanasia. Veterinarians are beginning to look more closely into
physical therapy for postoperative patients. Many clinics now offer acupuncture/electroacupuncture, therapeutic laser, under- water treadmill and swim therapy as well as other rehabilitation methods. Some misleading claims have been made that rehab procedures can actually replace decompressive surgery, which is not accurate. Pet owners now have the option of obtaining rehabilitation expertise by requesting their primary care vet direct them to the appropriate facility.
U
SCAN - Specialists in Companion Animal Neurology Providing expert, compassionate, lifesaving care to dogs and cats suffering from disorders of the brain, spinal cord and neuromuscular system. Unparalleled treatment for disorders such as seizures, herniated discs, spinal cord injuries, head trauma, and brain tumors. In Clearwater - 727.325.2955 - 2481 Sunset Point Rd. In Naples - 239.500.7226 - 2575 Northbrooke Plaza Dr.
www.TheNewBarker.com
THE NEW BARKER 79
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