Herniated Disc Ruby was presented to surgeon Dr Pierre Barreau with spinal pain. A CT scan was performed to identify the problem. The CT showed a herniated sacral disc that required surgery. The intervertebral disc (IVD) is a spongy, doughnut shaped pad in the main joint between the vertebrae. The disc lies just underneath the spinal cord in dogs and cats. Each disc has a semi-liquid center (nucleus pulposus) and…

Urinary conditions Archie was presented to Dr Azzurra Naso for ongoing urinary tract infections (UTIs). A full urinalysis has been started at our external laboratory and a CT scan was performed. UTIs are fairly common in dogs. Dogs with UTIs generally attempt to urinate very frequently whenever they go outside. They also may strain to urinate, drip urine, or frequently lick the genitals. Urine that has a very strong odor…

Herniated disc Pippa was presented to Dr Pierre Barreau for severe neck pain. On clinical examination Pippa was walking with an arched back and the neck kept in a lower position. Palpation of the spine was painful. Appart from pain, neurological examination was normal. A CT scan was performed. Disc herniation with severe spinal cord compression was present at C5-C6 intervertebral space. Surgical treatment would require corpectomy. A ventral corpectomy…

Liver investigation Mousse, a Sphynx, was presented to Dr Azzurra Naso. He was admitted for a CT, blood test and intravenous fluid therapy for a liver condition that requires investigating. He has mild anaemia as a secondary condition to his liver condition. As well as this, he is also jaundice. Jaundice is a yellow colour in the skin, mucous membranes, and/or eyes. The yellow color comes from bilirubin, a byproduct…

Exploratory laparotomy – foreign body Ernie was presented as an emergency, as he was vomiting blood. It was suspected that he had a foreign body. The term foreign body refers to any non-food object located within the digestive tract of a dog or cat. Pets have the tendency to play with or chew on non-food objects and, in the process of doing so, these objects can be inadvertently ingested. An…

Laser therapy Laser therapy involves directing infra-red radiation into inflamed or damaged tissues to accelerate the body’s natural healing process. The laser is placed in direct contact with the skin which enables light photons to penetrate the tissue. Laser helps to create an increased local blood supply, a reduction in inflammation and an increase in the speed of tissue repair. What are the benefits? There are many benefits to laser…

Achilles tendon Indi was presented to surgeons Dr Pierre Barreau and Dr Maria Bovis with hind limb lameness. Indi was diagnosed with having Achilles tendon weakness, which was causing the lameness. Surgery was recommended. During surgery, Pierre and Maria tightened the Achilles tendon by placing sutures, and then placed an external fixator to prevent movement of the tarsus. The external fixator will stay in place for 6-8 weeks and may…

Venereal Transmissible Tumour Dylan was presented to Medic Dr Azzurra Naso for treatment of a tumour in a difficult position. A FNA was taken of the tumour to confirm diagnosis of Venereal Transmissible Tumour! Dylan’s tumour can be treated with an injectable chemotherapy that is administered weekly. Dylan is very well behaved for his chemotherapy (as you can see!) and loves all the fuss he gets! His tumour has responded…

Intervertebral Disc Herniation Dolly was presented to Medic Dr Azzurra Naso with extreme pain. Dolly had paralysis and severe rigidity of all 4 limbs, suggesting a slipped disc in her neck. She was admitted for strong pain relief, stabilisation and a CT scan to find out what was causing her discomfort. The CT images showed Dolly had C3-C4 intervertebral disc herniation, which required immediate surgery. Surgeon Dr Pierre Barreau performed…

Luxating Patella Poppie was presented to surgeons Dr Pierre Barreau and Dr Maria Bovis for luxating patella surgery. The patella (kneecap) is a small bone that is positioned immediately above the tendon of insertion of the quadriceps muscle group onto the top of the tibia. The patella acts as a fulcrum during normal extension of the knee joint. It glides up and down within a groove that forms on the…