Neuro Corner Answers

Dr. Andrew Isaacs
DVM Diplomate ACVIM (Neurology)
Dogwood Veterinary Referral Center

Primary interests include intervertebral disc disease, seizure management, luxations/fractures of the spine, and surgery for brain tumors

Question

JUDY ASKS:

I would appreciate any info you can give me on LDA.  I’m considering it for my 4 yr. old doxie Ruby who has had a flare-up every six months since she turned 3.  I live in the Dallas area which is one of two places in the US where the procedure is performed.  Her last episode was in July 2011 – she’s had 8 weeks of crate rest & meds each time with complete recovery but she’s a very active dog.

ANSWER

Prior to having LDA performed I would advise advanced imaging (MRI, CT, Myleogram) of the spine. This would provide a definitive diagnosis and knowledge that you are addressing the true cause of the clinical signs.  LDA will not address herniated disk material within the spinal canal compressing the spinal cord.  It is a prophylactic procedure. With the prior history of flair-ups there is the potential disk material has already herniated. Therefore, decompressive surgery may be warranted and fenestration can be performed intraoperatively killing two birds with one stone.