Neurosurgery

Specialized expertise in the management of nervous system disorders

Veterinary neurosurgery is a highly specialized discipline, dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of central and peripheral nervous system disorders requiring surgical intervention. At the Agoravet clinic, animals suffering from neurological pathologies benefit from comprehensive care, combining medical expertise, advanced technology and a multidisciplinary approach.

Diseases treated

Our teams treat neurological conditions of structural origin that can benefit from surgical treatment, including :

• Herniated discs (type I and II) with spinal cord compression: these are often true emergencies.
• Vertebral instabilities (atlantoaxial subluxations, lumbosacral instability, Wobbler syndrome)
• Intracranial or medullary tumors accessible to excision: meningiomas in particular
• Vertebral trauma with fractures/dislocations leading to spinal cord or radicular compression
• Syringomyelia / Chiari-like and other malformations
• Obstructive hydrocephalus
• Hematomyelia, cysts, medullary abscesses
• Compressive peripheral neuropathies (radial nerve, brachial plexus, etc.)

Diagnostic means

Each case is treated according to a rigorous diagnostic approach, thanks to a complete technical platform, directly accessible within the clinic:

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging ): the reference examination for exploring the central nervous system and spinal cord.
• Multi-bar CT: fine bone exploration of the spine and intracranial structures
• Myeloscanner (CT-myeloscanner)
• Dynamic radiography under image intensifier for the evaluation of instabilities
• Preoperative laboratory tests and vital signs monitoring
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) punctures: high and low punctures. CSF analysis.

Surgical treatments

Interventions are performed by experienced surgeons, in close collaboration with the imaging, anesthesia and intensive care teams:

• Hemilaminectomy or dorsal laminectomy for disc herniation or spinal cord compression
• Ventral corpectomies or Ventral slot for ventral cervical defects
• Spinal stabilization (atlantoaxial, lumbosacral, vertebral fractures...) with specific implants
• Craniotomy or craniectomy for removal of intracranial tumors
• Peripheral neurosurgery: neurolysis, decompression, nerve biopsies
• Ventriculoperitoneal shunt for obstructive hydrocephalus

Comprehensive, secure care

Each patient is closely monitored throughout the entire care process, from initial consultation to post-operative recovery. Hospitalization is provided in a secure environment, with continuous monitoring by our intensive care teams.

Pain management is a priority, with the implementation of multimodal analgesia and adapted protocols (locoregional anesthesia, continuous infusions, opioids, etc.).

A multidisciplinary approach

At Agoravet, neurosurgery is part of a multidisciplinary approach: our experts in internal medicine, neurology, medical imaging, anesthesia, surgery and intensive care collaborate daily to offer each animal individualized, optimal care.

We maintain a close relationship with the referring veterinarian, both for initial orientation and post-operative follow-up.

Below you will find information on the main neurological conditions requiring surgery.