NEUROSURGERY
Neurosurgery is a major procedure that comes with strict post-operative instructions. Patients will need to be confined for six to eight weeks to fully heal. During that time, we will continue to work closely with the patient, pet parent, and referring veterinarian to ensure a successful recovery.
Most common neurosurgeries
Hemilaminectomies and laminectomies
These are required when a patient has a herniated disk pinching off the spinal cord.
When we perform this surgery, we cut a section of the spinal bone from the spinal canal so that the spinal cord can go back to the normal shape and function. We will clean out the herniated disc to make sure the spinal cord has room, and if a tumor is found, we will do our best to remove it and place a barrier over the top of the area to protect the spinal cord.
Hemilaminectomies and laminectomies can be performed at any spot in the neck or back, depending on where the problem lies. We have a very high success rate, especially if the issue is caught early, and most of our patients are back up and walking with no problems within a few hours, days, or weeks.
Treating brain tumors
Our neurosurgical veterinarians can also perform many surgeries on brain tumors, making the smallest incision possible so that we can visualize the tumor and remove all of the tumor. When complete removal isn’t possible, we take out as much of the tumor as we can. Even if we are not able to get it all, taking a sample will allow us to send it out for a biopsy so we know if there are any other steps we need to take to treat and heal.
Our commitment to dedicated veterinary anesthesia
We prioritize the comfort and safety of your pet during their procedure. Our imaging department veterinarians, Dr. Elana Rybak and Dr. Abby Cusack have extensive experience in anesthesia, ensuring the highest standard for our patients. Throughout your pet’s procedure, one of our experienced veterinarians will be specifically dedicated to managing your pet's anesthesia— ensuring their comfort and safety every step of the way:
Pre-operative assessment: Evaluating each patient's health status to determine the most appropriate anesthesia protocol.
Anesthesia administration: Carefully administering and monitoring anesthesia during MRI and CT scans.
Post-operative care: Supervising patients during recovery and managing any potential complications.
In addition to managing anesthesia for in-house procedures, our anesthesia team also provides sedation recommendations for outpatients undergoing procedures. These recommendations are tailored to each patient's individual needs and health status, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience.
Our commitment to dedicated veterinary anesthesia allows us to:
Minimize risks: By having specialists manage anesthesia, we reduce the potential for complications and ensure patient safety.
Improve patient comfort: Our anesthesia protocols are designed to minimize discomfort and anxiety during procedures.
Provide expert care: Our anesthesia team brings extensive knowledge and experience to every case, ensuring the highest quality of care.
We understand that anesthesia can be a concern for pet owners, and we are committed to providing clear communication and addressing any questions or concerns you may have. Our goal is to make every procedure as safe and stress-free as possible for your beloved pet.
TRUSTED EXPERTS FOR YOUR FAMILY
Our veterinarians have more than eight decades of combined experience and are supported by a fantastic team of technicians and administrative staff.
Neurology & Neurosurgery
DR. JAY MCDONNELL
DR. JULIANNA MANNIX
Neurology & Neurosurgery
DR. LARRY GAINSBURG
Neurology & Neurosurgery