An expanding page to learn more about specific spinal conditions.
THORACOLUMBAR DISC DISEASE
Thoracolumbar Disc Disease is premature degeneration of the centre of the disc affecting the discs in the middle of the back at the junction between the ribs and the lumbar spine.
Just like us, dogs have flexible spines and this flexibility comes from the presence of discs and joints between the back bones (vertebrae). These discs are called intervertebral discs and they are amazing structures made up of layers of fibrous sheets running from back bone to back bone and blob of gelatinous material sitting just off centre. Above the discs is the spinal cord housed within a bony tube called the spinal canal.
Thoracolumbar Disc Disease is premature degeneration of the centre of the disc affecting the discs in the middle of the back at the junction between the ribs and the lumbar spine. The premature degeneration results from a genetic abnormality that is associated with shortening of the limbs and thus is seen mainly in breeds with short, angulated limbs such as Dachshunds, Lhasa Apso and so forth. The premature degeneration leads to extra stresses through the fibrous rings which then tear allowing the degenerate material to move towards the spinal cord.
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Using standard AO/ASIF Techniques and Implants. Advanced Locking Plate System (ALPS) Kyon AG. External Fixation (Linear and Circular)
Shoulder: OCD (Arthroscopy or Arthrotomy), Stabilisation.
Elbow: Elbow Dysplasia (By fragment retrieval, Proximal Abducting Ulnar Osteotomy [PAUL] or bi-oblique Osteotomy.
Humeral Intercondylar Fissure (HIF) or Incomplete Ossification of the Humeral Condyle (IOHC).
Carpus and Foot: Luxation and Fracture Management, Arthrodesis.
Hip: Management of Hip Dysplasia with modifying procedures or Cementless Total Hip Replacement.
Stifle: Management of Cruciate Ligament pathology by Tibial Tuberosity Advancement, Lateral and Medial Patellar Luxation (including Patella Groove Replacement), Femoral condylar OCD.
Hock: OCD management, Traumatic Luxation, Gastrocnemius Tendon Pathology.
Tarsus and Foot: Trauma management.
Cervical Spine: Ventral slot surgery, Laminectomy, Distraction Fusion.
Thoracolumbar Spine: Hemilaminectomy, Foramenotomy, Laminectomy.
Lumbosacral Spine: Laminectomy-Discectomy, Distraction Fusion.
Digital Radiography.
Computed Tomography (CT).
Visiting MRI (Burgess Diagnostics) on a weeky basis.
Arthroscopy.