Avril Arendse, clinical teacher of neurology and neurosurgery at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, and her neurosurgery team use cutting-edge technology and surgical cooperation to rehabilitate a paralyzed dog.
Lily, a 2-year-old dachshund, was disabled in an accident. Lily was not expected to walk again after exploring for methods to rehabilitate her, and while surgery was an option, it was fraught with danger.
The owners of Lily were determined to find a solution. They made contact with Arendse, who occurred to have the necessary resources, including a qualified team to assist her.
Arendse’s operation on Lily had a 25% mortality probability, with a 50/50 likelihood of her walking pain-free again.
“You need manpower and other types of specialist equipment like MRI and CT because of fractures like these,” Arendse explained. “We needed at least two to three individuals scrubbing in to aid physically throughout the procedure.” Multiple sets of hands that may be actively participating in the procedure are required.”
“It’s one of the things that, honestly, I didn’t get to accomplish in private practice because of the resources and other expertise that we have accessible here at the veterinary teaching hospital.”
A 3D printer was an essential tool for success. Arendse and the team performed the surgery they would conduct to help Lily walk again, using the printer to produce a replica of Lily’s spine.
Arendse was satisfied with the outcome. “Lily was doing exactly as well postoperatively as she was preoperatively, and that’s what we want to see.” It can be worse following surgery, but she was already feeling a little better and considerably more comfortable.”
A few visits to check on Lily’s progress while she healed, as well as some rehab at the veterinary teaching hospital or with a local veterinarian. However, Lily’s owners had different plans.They were so grateful for the life-changing successful outcome they made a TikTok sharing Lily’s remarkable journey.
Arendse and the team’s experience with Lily demonstrates the need of vets adopting cutting-edge technologies to provide better care for animals. Veterinary medicine will adapt and progress as 3D printers and other technology become more prevalent and accessible.
The TikTok video demonstrates how much Arendse and the team are appreciated by Lily’s owners. Her owners conveyed their gratitude and admiration among video of Lily transitioning from paralysis to play.
“Lily can run pain-free, play, jump and sprint in the wind; all because one brave veterinary surgeon trusted in herself and her team,” Allison Smith, one of Lily’s owners, stated.