Abstract
Numerous studies and case reports describe the diagnostic methods and surgical techniques for cervical intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH) in dogs. However, limited information exists on post- operative rehabilitation programs for IVDH. Here we report the rehabilitation program for a 12-year-old castrated male Shiba Inu dog with tetraparesis resulting from cervical IVDH. The dog underwent ventral slot surgery at the Animal Medical Center of Rakuno Gakuen University.
To promote post-operative healing, rehabilitation included laser and ultrasound therapy administered to the area corresponding to the cervical spinal cord injury. In addition, we developed an exercise program that corresponded to the ability of the dog to ambulate. From post-operative day three, the dog underwent laser therapy and was able to stand up by himself and walk several steps. From post- operative day 10, the dog had cart therapy for the standing and walking exercises. Rehabilitation was continued, at home and in hospital, after discharge. Within one-month post operatively, the dog regained an almost normal gait function. The recovery of this dog is shorter than that reported previously. We believe that the rehabilitation program and the cooperation of the patient and his owner promoted functional recovery and yielded these good results.
