A revolutionary new procedure called cervical disc arthroplasty was performed recently at NorthStar Vets, a specialty veterinary hospital in Robbinsville.
The surgery involves the partial removal of the intervertebral disc and the placement of an artificial disc that mimics the function of a healthy disc to allow normal movement of the joint.
The patient was Berlin, a seven-year-old female Doberman Pinscher with a history of cervical intervertebral disc disease known as wobbler syndrome. Wobbler syndrome is a serious neurological disease of the cervical spine leading to limb weakness, muscle loss in the shoulders and neck pain. It is commonly seen in large-breed dogs.
Garett M. Levin, a surgical specialist at NorthStar said, “In the past, much more invasive and more extensive procedures were used to treat this disorder including bone screws, plates, and other hardware. These procedures are more labor-intensive and time-consuming. The risk is also greater for complications due to the need for multiple surgical implants.”
Berlin is doing well and being weaned off medication. The prognosis is good for her lon-term comfort and quality of life.
More information about NorthStar Vets is online at northstarvets.com.
