Advanced Veterinary Neurosurgery
Some neurologic conditions can only be treated with neurosurgery. We know the idea of your pet undergoing neurosurgery can be scary. But with Dr. Carpentier and our entire team at Minnesota Veterinary Neurology, your pet is in excellent hands.
As a board-certified veterinary neurologist and neurosurgeon, Dr. Carpentier has years of neurosurgery experience behind her. Dr. Carpentier's expertise allows her to provide innovative solutions to your pet's neurosurgical needs.
Conditions We Treat with Neurosurgery
Common surgical conditions we treat include:
- Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD)
- Subarachnoid diverticulum
- Brain and spinal cord tumors
- Congenital conditions (most commonly hydrocephalus and atlantoaxial subluxation)
- Spinal fractures
In addition to her many neurosurgical patients, Dr. Carpentier has also been on the pet parent side of these tricky diagnoses. Her own dogs have grappled with atlantoaxial subluxation and IVDD. She understands how difficult it is to watch a beloved pet undergo neurosurgery.
She and her surgical staff will treat your pet as their own from the moment your treasured companion arrives for surgery and well into recovery—and beyond.
The Process of Emergent Surgeries
Most often when your pet is having surgery with us, it is in an emergent setting, meaning they have become completely paralyzed or had a severe trauma and need emergency surgery. In those cases, we first perform an MRI. Based on the results, Dr. Carpentier will call you to go through the findings and discuss the surgical plan.
Dr. Carpentier will call again after surgery to let you know how everything went. Your pet will then spend a minimum of 24 hours in our ICU where he or she will receive the best treatment possible with our wonderful ICU technicians. Your pet and their comfort are always our top priority after surgery, and we have specific protocols that allow them to rest easy and get a good night sleep.
The Process of Non-Emergent Surgeries
We also have cases with a less urgent need for surgery, and these patients will have a scheduled drop-off surgery date. These patients have already had an MRI, but the rest of their treatment will be the same as above.
Discharge Procedure
When Dr. Carpentier feels your patient is able to safely go home, we will set up a discharge appointment with you to give you information on continuing care at home. We want to be sure you are comfortable and confident taking your pet home. We know that this can be a scary time, and we are here for you every step of the way. At your discharge appointment, we will also be sure to schedule your recheck appointment, as well as any necessary rehabilitation services that are recommended.
Feel free to reach out to us anytime with questions about our neurosurgical treatments.