Disc Fenestration in Dogs

Disc Fenestration in Dogs - Conditions Treated, Procedure, Efficacy, Recovery, Cost, Considerations, Prevention

What is Disc Fenestration?

Disc fenestration in dogs is a form of spinal surgery in which the material in the center of the vertebral disc is removed. Disc fenestration is used in conjunction with laminectomy or hemilaminectomy surgery used to correct a herniated disc caused by intervertebral disk disease. Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD), is a progressive disease of the spinal column that can occur in two types. The type of IVDD treated with disc fenestration is Type I, as the condition was not caused by the gradual aging process of the dog. Surgical procedures of the spine are highly complex and require a specialist neurosurgeon to perform. 

Disc Fenestration Procedure in Dogs

Disc fenestration in dogs is used in conjunction with a laminectomy spinal procedure in order to reduce the possibility of surrounding discs from herniating in the future. The surgeon first approaches the spine by making a surgical incision in the midline of the back using a specialized drill. A small window is then made in the bone of the affected vertebra, just above the disc. The herniated material inside the disc and underneath the spinal cord can then be removed using aspiration. Fenestration of the disc can then take place in front and behind the herniated disc. The same window creation technique is put in place as described before, but the window is made into the outer fibrous ring of tissue. The material inside the center of the vertebral disc is then removed. 

Efficacy of Disc Fenestration in Dogs

Disc fenestration in dogs is an effective surgery to reduce the possibility of surrounding discs from herniating. Used in conjunction with laminectomy spinal surgery, the possibility of the animal experiencing problems in the future are minimal. 

Disc Fenestration Recovery in Dogs

Following a disc fenestration, the canine will be hospitalized for roughly three to ten days and will be discharged once able to urinate with no ill effects. Once the dog is allowed home, the dog will not be allowed to engage in high levels of activity for about four to six weeks. A follow-up appointment will be needed 10 to 14 days after surgery to remove skin sutures, and again four to six weeks after the sutures are removed for assessment purposes. 

Cost of Disc Fenestration in Dogs

A disc fenestration in dogs can cost pet owners around $1,000 to $1,500 to have completed. The total cost of the procedure, including preoperative diagnostic imaging tools can raise that price to about $2,000. 

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Dog Disc Fenestration Considerations

Disc fenestration in dogs is a very complicated surgery that, if done incorrectly, could lead to permanent spinal cord damage. Infection of the surgical site could result in a serious spinal cord infection, which can be avoided in proper medications are administered. Although most dogs will not have a reoccurrence of a disc herniation, it is a possibility and environmental factors should be controlled by the dog owner. 

Disc Fenestration Prevention in Dogs

Disc fenestration in dogs can be avoided, sometimes, by controlling environmental factors like diet and exercise. Weight control is advised both prior and after a disc fenestration surgery to prevent too much stress on the affected disc. Jumping should also be limited in those who are prone to disc complications to prevent injuries that could cause too much strain on the vertebral column. 

Disc Fenestration Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals

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Cockapoo

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Colby

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8 Years

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1 found this helpful

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1 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Wobbly Rear Gait
My dog has recently developped wobbly back legs. The vet has detected some proprioceptive issues. There seems to be some degeneration, as revealed by an xray, in his vertebrae (L5-L6?). He recently fell down some stairs, we are unsure if the stairs caused the spine injury or the spine degeneration caused the fall. He is a cockapoo but she has noted that he has a rather long back and may be experiencing some issues faced by other long-backed dogs. She and we are hoping it is just a pinched nerve from inflammation. He has been on Tramadol and Metacam for 5 days and the vet now wants to switch him to Prednasone for a bit to see if there are any changes. His pain seems to be under control but his legs are still slipping and wobbling. She has informed us that a possible next step could be fenestration which has a cost of about $5000 here in Canada. Does the surgery have a high success rate?

Feb. 17, 2018

Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM

1 Recommendations

Thank you for your email. The surgery success rate depends on the level of injury to the spinal cord, and the surgeon would need information from an MRI before being able to give you a prognosis. Other options that may help include physical therapy, laser therapy, and acupuncture, if those modalities are available in your area. You would need to discuss those options with your veterinarian, as they are aware of the specifics of Colby's situation. I hope that all goes well for him.

Feb. 17, 2018

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Goldendoodle

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Manchan

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7 Years

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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Urinary Incontinence
Muscles Spasms, Back Leg Weakness,
My dog Manchan fell down some stairs 5 days ago. She developed wobbily back legs that progressed to near paralysis. She was started on prednisone, gabapentin and methocarbamol by the veterinarian. The medications were started 2 days ago. Since then she recent developed urinary incontinence and worsening difficulty with walking. At this point is surgery the only option? She has had 48 hours of medical management with no signs of improvement. Is there much hope of improvement without surgery? What are the chances with and without surgery?

Nov. 12, 2017

0 Recommendations

The success rate of surgery would be dependent on the extent of the damaged and whether the cause is disk related or due to luxation/other cause; each case is individual and needs to be approached as such. You should discuss the options with your Veterinarian based on x-rays of Manchan’s spine and the level of deep pain sensation in the limbs. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM

Nov. 12, 2017

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