Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Medical care of the neurosurgical patient.
- Journal:
- Seminars in veterinary medicine and surgery (small animal)
- Year:
- 1996
- Authors:
- Longshore, R C & O'Brien, D P
- Affiliation:
- University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine · United States
Plain-English summary
This study discusses how important it is to take good care of pets before and after they have neurosurgery, which is surgery on the brain or spinal cord. For pets that have experienced trauma to their central nervous system, giving a high dose of a medication called methylprednisolone sodium succinate within the first eight hours can help protect their nervous system. There are also other potential treatments being researched that may help pets with spinal injuries in the future. After surgery, it's crucial to manage any problems with urination and bowel movements, control pain, and provide physical therapy to help them recover. Overall, the right care can significantly improve a pet's recovery after neurosurgery.
Abstract
Proper medical care before and after surgery play an important role in the overall care of patients requiring neurosurgery and will have an impact on the neurological recovery. Prevention of spinal cord destruction resulting from the cascade of events which occur secondary to central nervous system trauma is a critical part of a patient's preoperative care. High doses of methylprednisolone sodium succinate given within the first 8 hours of trauma are currently recommended to provide protection to neural tissue after trauma. Other promising drugs for patients with spinal trauma, such as 21-aminosteroids and GM-1 gangliosides, may become available in the near future. Knowledge of potential complications after surgery and methods to prevent complications from occurring is an important part of the postoperative care of neurosurgical patients. This includes management of micturition and defecation dysfunction, management of postoperative pain, physical therapy to speed recovery, and providing good supportive care to the recumbent patient.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9020574/