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NorthStar VETS Performs Groundbreaking Surgery on Doberman Pinscher
[January 20, 2015]

NorthStar VETS Performs Groundbreaking Surgery on Doberman Pinscher


Berlin, a seven-year-old female Doberman Pinscher, had a history of cervical intervertebral disc disease (wobbler syndrome). Wobbler syndrome is a serious neurologic disease of the cervical spine, in which the spinal cord and/or nerve roots are compressed, leading to limb weakness, muscle loss in the shoulders, and neck pain. It is commonly seen in large-breed dogs. When Berlin did not respond well to medical management with anti-inflammatory and pain medications, she was referred by her primary care veterinarian to the specialists at NorthStar VETS (NSV).

"After reviewing all of the therapeutic options, the pet owner and medical team decided to move forward with a revolutionary new procedure called cervical disc arthroplasty (artificial disc placement)," said specialist Melissa Logan, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology). "During the surgery, the intervertebral disc is partially removed and an artificial disc is placed, thereby mimicking the function of a healthy disc and allowing normal movement of the joint."

NorthStar VETS is he only specialty hospital in the New Jersey/Pennsylvania region with specialists qualified to perform this new procedure.



Garrett M. Levin, DVM, DACVS, a surgical specialist at NSV, partnered with Dr. Logan during Berlin's treatment. "The surgery took approximately 1½ hours," he 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. We are pleased to now offer an innovative option that offers great benefits to the pet with less risk."

Berlin is doing well (view "after" video and radiograph). She is comfortable and is being weaned off medications. Due to the long-standing nature of her compression, she still has some incoordination, but along with a course of physical rehabilitation, the prognosis is good for her long-term comfort and quality of life.


About NorthStar VETS

NorthStar VETS is a nationally recognized emergency, trauma, and specialty veterinary hospital located at 315 Robbinsville-Allentown Rd., Robbinsville, NJ, offering world-class care for dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, and other exotics 24/7/365. For more information, visit www.northstarvets.com or Facebook.


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