Mr Driver developed the technique through extensive study, training and refinement
UK First: Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Surgery Launched For Canine Lumbosacral Disease
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Lumbry Park Veterinary Specialists, part of the CVS, has become the first specialist referral centre in the UK to offer a lateral endoscopic lumbosacral foraminotomy for dogs suffering from degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLSS).
The new service is being led by Colin Driver, RCVS‑recognised Specialist in Veterinary Neurology, and represents a significant advance in the surgical management of one of the most challenging and welfare‑impacting spinal disorders seen in canine patients.
DLSS is a complex, multifactorial degenerative condition that most commonly affects middle‑aged to older dogs, particularly larger breeds and those with a working or highly athletic background. Clinical signs often centre on chronic pain, reduced exercise tolerance, difficulty jumping and, in more advanced cases, radiating leg pain associated with nerve root compression – commonly described as a nerve root signature. Left untreated, some dogs may progress to neurological deficits or, more rarely, cauda equina syndrome affecting bladder and bowel function.
Traditional surgical management typically involves open decompressive procedures such as dorsal laminectomy or open foraminotomy. While effective in selected cases, these techniques require large surgical exposures, extensive muscle dissection and prolonged post‑operative confinement, and carry recognised risks including nerve injury, restenosis and adjacent segment disease.
The newly introduced endoscopic technique achieves the same core surgical objective – decompression of the affected nerve root – but through a keyhole approach using specialist spinal endoscopic equipment adapted from human medicine. Bone is removed from the foramen via a lateral approach using an incision of approximately 8 mm, without transection of overlying musculature. Targeting is guided using real‑time fluoroscopy, allowing precise localisation of the pathology.
“From a surgical perspective, the goal hasn’t changed – we want to relieve compression on the nerve,” said Colin Driver. “What this technique allows us to do is achieve that decompression with dramatically reduced soft tissue disruption. For the right patient, that means faster recovery, less post‑operative pain and an earlier return to function.”
Since introducing the procedure, Lumbry Park has treated 17 canine patients, performing more than 25 individual lumbosacral foraminotomies, including bilateral cases. The technique has also been utilised selectively in dogs with spinal pain associated with intervertebral disc disease.
Early outcomes have been highly encouraging. No short‑term surgical complications or iatrogenic nerve injuries have been reported. All patients were discharged within 24 hours of surgery and none required post‑operative injectable opioid analgesia. Follow‑up assessment using the validated Canine Brief Pain Inventory demonstrated marked reductions in pain scores and substantial improvements in reported quality of life.
Importantly for referring practices and clients alike, the procedure is offered at no additional cost compared with conventional open spinal surgery, despite requiring advanced equipment and specialist training.
Mr Driver developed the technique through extensive study of established human spinal endoscopic procedures, combined with cadaveric training and refinement prior to clinical application. Lumbry Park’s existing expertise in minimally invasive surgery, including arthroscopy and thoraco‑laparoscopy, provided the foundation for safely implementing the new service.
“This is very much about matching the right surgery to the right patient,” added Mr Driver. “Dogs with lumbosacral‑associated leg pain in particular can be excellent candidates. As with all chronic spinal conditions, a multidisciplinary approach – incorporating anaesthesia, pain management and rehabilitation – remains essential to achieving the best outcomes.”
Lateral endoscopic lumbosacral foraminotomy is currently available only at Lumbry Park Veterinary Specialists. The team hopes the introduction of this technique will expand the treatment options available for dogs with DLSS and support improved long‑term welfare in a group of patients that are often difficult to manage conservatively.
Lumbry Veterinary Referrals is one of the largest and most advanced veterinary specialist referral centres in the UK. With a 140-strong team, it offers a broad range of specialist veterinary referral services including anaesthesia and analgesia, cardiology, dermatology, diagnostic imaging, internal medicine, neurology and neurosurgery, ophthalmology, oncology, orthopaedics, physiotherapy, soft tissue surgery and has its own Critical and Emergency Care Centre.
For more information about Lumbry Park, which is part of the CVS Group, visit www.lumbrypark.co.uk.
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