Neurosurgery
Neurosurgery includes surgical treatment for conditions of the nervous system and spinal column diseases.
Neurosurgery Services
The following neurosurgery services are available at VETMED:
- Hemilaminectomy
- Ventral slot decompression
- Dorsal laminectomy
What to Expect During Neurosurgery
For all non-emergency neurosurgery cases at VETMED, the client is first seen by the surgeon to discuss the patient’s condition, the procedure to be performed, possible complications, expected recovery and prognosis.
Each neurosurgery patient, client and procedure is unique. Many require MRI or CT scans prior to surgery. In most cases, patients will need to fast for a minimum of 8 hours prior to admission, which is usually 8 a.m. on day of scheduled surgery or scan.
When the neurosurgery patient arrives, a physical examination will be performed along with any necessary blood work and radiographs. The patient will be sedated about 1 hour prior to surgery. The client will typically receive a telephone call at the start of surgery and upon recovery of the patient.
The patient will be hospitalized overnight (at minimum) for pain management and monitoring. Keeping the neurosurgery patient calm, with minimal anxiety, is important to their recovery. Visits post-operatively may be arranged during business hours.
Neurosurgery patients may require anywhere from 2-5 days of hospitalization depending on the type of procedure performed.
Veterinarian Performing Neurosurgery
Dr. Stephanie Foote is a board-certified surgeon and the primary veterinarian performing neurosurgery at VETMED. To learn more about what it takes to become a board-certified surgeon, please visit the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
Neurosurgery Consultation
If you think your pet may need specialty surgery, please call VETMED today to schedule an appointment.