A dorsal laminectomy is a surgical procedure of the spine, which aims to provide access to a prolapsed disc and therefore relieve pressure on the spinal cord. Where the decompressive surgery is needed, the location must first be ascertained by imaging such as an MRI or CT scans.
Surgery can take place only once the location of the trouble spot is known. When the problem lies between the last thoracic vertebra and the first lumbar vertebra, then a thoracolumbar laminectomy is appropriate
Given the need for sophisticated pre-surgical imaging, only available at referral centers, laminectomy is usually performed by specialist surgeons. In some circumstances, such as the paralyzed dog where there is no option to refer, talented surgeons in first opinion practice may carry out this technique.
Spinal surgery is usually a procedure of last resort, used for dogs with severe neurological damage to the hind limbs, bladder, or bowel, as a result of spinal cord compression.