Olivia, welcome!
Introduce your dog so we can provide a more useful response for you.
Is he experiencing a current disc episode?This procedure is not performed if a dog is having a current disc episode.
Each clinic would have their own surgery schedule to let you know when they have a date open for this procedure.
Laser Disc Ablation (LDA) Dodgerslist has asked a few of the neuros we work with, they really don't seem to have an opinion on LDA.
However, as with any surgery there is a risk so best to talk everything over with your vet. Discuss if they believe this is right for your dog. Confirm when choosing, a clinic/surgeon with a lengthy history/experience of doing this procedure.
There are a limited number of clinics that do LDA.
-- OSU
news.okstate.edu/articles/veterinary-medicine/2016/disk-surgery-dogs-does-it-work.html -- Dallas Surgical Center
dvsc.com/2020/01/laser-disc-ablation-preventing-intervertebral-disc-disease/ -- VRC Hospital, Malvern, PA
www.vrcmalvern.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/PLDA_neuro_trifold_8-6_AB_RUN.pdfEvery single disc in the spine has the potential to be effected by the ongoing disease process of IVDD. For the LDA procedure only 7 discs are selected to zap (those that seem to herniate most are often located mid back).
LEARN MORE
Percutaneous laser disc ablation: a proactive approach to minimizing IVDD in dogs
October 27, 2022 19:47min podcast:
www.dvm360.com/view/percutaneous-laser-disc-ablation-a-proactive-approach-to-minimizing-ivdd-in-dogs.
Please introduce your dog to us.
QUESTIONS:★1 Is there currently pain of a disc episode? List ONLY the signs you observe.
There should be no sign of pain from one dose of meds to the next. Have no patience with pain as it does hinder healing. Phone your vet and report any of observations asap to get meds adjusted.
⚙︎ shivering-trembling ⚙︎ yelping when picked up or moved
⚙︎ tight tense tummy ⚙︎ arched back, ears pinned back
⚙︎ restless, can't find a comfortable position
⚙︎ slow or reluctant to move in suite such as shift positions
⚙︎ not their normal perky interested in life selves
➕if a neck disc:
◻︎ head held high/ nose to the ground
◻︎ looks up with just eyes and does not move head and neck easily.
◻︎ not eating due to painful chewing or in too much overall pain
◻︎ holds front or back leg up flamingo style not wanting to bear weight
★2 __How much does your dog weigh? Age?
What is the list of meds your dog is taking? Mg dose, times per day
★3 List any red flag signs of stomach damage you are currently observing:
Not eating, vomit, loose stool, bleeding ulcers, red or black blood in diarrhea?
★4 What breed? What is your dog’s name?
★5 Did you specifically get a diagnosis of IVDD, aka: a disc problem, a disc herniation, a bulging disc, slipped disc?
-- Is the vet a general DVM? or
-- a specialist surgeon (ACVIM neurology or ACVS ortho)?
★6 -- date of surgery?
-- number of weeks surgeons wants for post-op rest?
-- surgeon directed at-home PT?
OR—
What was the date you saw the vet for conservative treatment of rest + meds?
If your dog moves around too much, the disc cannot heal. With pain medications to mask pain, dogs will not be in pain and want to be more active. So it is up to you to restrict your dog’s activity for them.
STRICT rest to heal the disc means:
- no laps - no couches
- no baths - no sleeping with you
- no chiro therapy - no dragging or meandering at potty times.
★7 Brain controlled "peeing" or reflex "overflowing"? Can your dog:
-- Specifically sniff and squat and then release urine (bladder control)?
-- Do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted? Indicator signs of an overflowing bladder (loss of control). Manual bladder expressing is necessary for health reasons. How to: ==>
dodgerslist.com/2020/05/05/bladder-bowel-care/★8 Describe what you observe currently about neuro functions. Can your dog....
-- wobbly walk?
-- Move the legs at all?
-- Wag the tail when you specifically do some happy talk?
Calm your mind about nerve healing, know the facts: ==>
dodgerslist.com/2021/02/06/nerve-healing-after-disc-episode/Olivia, we look forward to learning about your dog and answering any further questions on your mind.
