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warranted. The first step in this diagnostic process is an X-ray ofthe spine. While X-rays won’t show an actual herniated disk,they can show changes of the spine suggestive of a disk herniationand also help rule out an underlying fracture, infection, ortumor of the bones. The next step in the diagnostic work-up is anMRI. Yes, MRI is available for dogs and cats at a few selectlocations in the Philadelphia area. An MRI allows the clinician toactually visualize the spinal cord and any herniated disks thatmay be applying pressure to it. One such MRI location isVeterinary Imaging Partners in Valley Forge, PA, where MRIs areperformed on a daily basis with the same quality and strength as ahuman MRI. The only difference between an animal MRI and ahuman MRI is that general anesthesia is required for pets as theymust remain perfectly still during the procedure.What if my vet recommends surgery?Once an MRI is performed, a veterinary surgeon as well as theradiologist interpreting the MRI makes the decision, whether surgeryis indicated. While surgery is often a very last resort in peopledue to prolonged recovery times and post-operative complications,many dogs with a disk herniation have the recommendedspinal surgery performed to have the diseased disk removed andthe spinal cord decompressed. This surgery is typically performedby a board-certified veterinary surgeon, and while thecost is expensive (usually $3,000-$5,000), it is the fastest way torecovery for your pet and it is often curative. As no surgical procedurecan be one hundred percent guaranteed, there is always avery small chance a pet will not benefit from surgery and willremain partially or fully paralyzed after surgery. In most cases,however, if a dog cannot walk but still has pain sensation in histoes at the time before surgery, there is an 83-90% success ratefor recovery with surgery (Veterinary Information Network,2011). In my opinion, owners of dogs that have neurologicalsigns and a herniated disk confirmed by MRI should stronglyconsider having surgery performed.What is surgery aftercare like?How long it takes your pet to walk again after surgery is highlydependent on how much neurological dysfunction the pet hadprior to surgery. Most dogs regain the ability to walk on theirback legs again within one to four weeks. Nursing care for yourpet initially after surgery can be intensive, including expressingyour pet’s bladder, keeping adequate bedding, performing physicaltherapy exercises, and walking with the assistance of a sling.After reading this article, hopefully it is clear that disk herniationin dogs is a serious and painful disease process that often requiresmedical treatment. If neurological abnormalities are present or ifthere is no response to medications, an MRI and surgery are oftenneeded. The good news is that your dog is much more resilientthan you are, often back on his or her feet within a few weeksafter successful surgery. Don’t take back pain lightly; see yourveterinarian if you think your dog may be experiencing this problem!“We treat your petlike royalty”2463 Yellow Springs RoadMalvern, PA 19355610-240-0190610-240-0198 FaxGET READYFOR THESUMMERMake YourAppointment Now!Grooming SalonDay Care • BoardingTraining10% OFF First Grooming or10% OFF First Boarding NightJeff & Lucie Greco, Ownersluciesbarkinghampalace@gmail.comwww.luciesbarkinghampalace.comDr. McGough is a 2002 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and has experiencein both emergency room and general practice settings. He works at VetImaging Partners in Valley Forge, PA and can be reached at (610) 666-1023.May/June I 267-767-4205 I www.phillyfit.comPhillyFIT I 39