Dobby the Poodle’s Successful Spinal Surgery

Neurosurgery at Veterinarium – Dobby the Poodle’s Successful Spinal Surgery. 

Dobby, a Poodle, had been experiencing intermittent mobility difficulties and pain when walking or moving his neck. He would also frequently vocalise in pain at night.

Veterinarium’s Head Veterinarian, Dr Lasha-Giorgi Japaridze, referred Dobby for a CT scan, which was performed at Vet CT, the computed tomography centre located on the Kakha Bendukidze Campus. 

After reviewing the CT images, Dr Japaridze diagnosed Dobby with a right-sided C2-C3 intervertebral disc extrusion caused by Hansen type I intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). This occurs when disc material extrudes into the vertebral canal and compresses the spinal cord and surrounding neural structures, potentially causing severe pain, impaired mobility and neurological deficits.

Given Dobby’s condition, urgent surgical intervention was recommended. Before surgery, he underwent a comprehensive pre-anaesthetic assessment at Veterinarium, including:

• A complete blood count, serum biochemistry profile and electrolyte analysis
• Echocardiography

The results were evaluated by Veterinarium’s cardiologist and anaesthetist, Natia Robakidze. Based on these findings, she developed an individualised anaesthetic protocol to ensure the effective management of Dobby’s anaesthetic risks.

Following the pre-anaesthetic assessment, Dobby underwent complex neurosurgery at Veterinarium using the ventral slot technique. During this procedure, a small surgical window is created in the vertebrae via an approach from the underside of the neck. Through this opening, the extruded disc material is removed from the vertebral canal, relieving pressure on the spinal cord.

This procedure requires exceptional precision, as it is performed in close proximity to the spinal cord, neural structures and major blood vessels. The extruded disc material must be removed safely within a space of only a few millimetres, without damaging these vital structures. 

The surgery was performed by Veterinarium’s Head Veterinarian, Lasha-Giorgi Japaridze, assisted by Luka Ghlonti. Anaesthesia was managed by Natia Robakidze.

The surgery was successful, and within just a few days, Dobby was already moving freely.