Disc-o Inferno: Managing Acute Spinal Emergencies in General Practice
Acute spinal emergencies in dogs can be among the most challenging and time-critical cases encountered in general practice. This session will provide a practical approach to recognising, assessing and managing canine patients presenting with acute spinal disease, with a particular focus on intervertebral disc extrusion. Attendees will learn how to perform a focused neurological examination, localise lesions, identify cases requiring urgent referral, and implement appropriate stabilisation and analgesia prior to transfer. Through case-based discussion and practical clinical tips, this lecture will highlight decision-making in the first-opinion setting, helping practitioners improve patient outcomes while communicating effectively with owners during these high-pressure emergencies.
- 1. Perform a focused neurological examination to localise spinal lesions in dogs presenting with acute neurological deficits.
- 2. Formulate the most likely differential diagnoses for acute spinal disease based on the patient's history, signalment and neurological examination.
- 3. Implement appropriate initial stabilisation, analgesia and patient management prior to referral.
- 4. Use findings from the neurological examination to discuss prognosis, treatment options and referral recommendations with owners.
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