Extra: Local vet one of only few to specialize in animal neurology

Tampa, Florida - A 7-year-old dachshund named Frank is getting prepped for surgery.

The reason, according to his owner, when Frank was 4 he started having trouble walking and moving his neck. She says, "Frank started limping on his hind limbs and showing back pain."

Dr. Gillian Irving has pinpointed the problem to Frank's spine. She found calcium buildup in several of his vertebrae. Dr. Irving says this problem is common in dachshunds.

Dr. Irving says, "These little guys have disc problems and it slips out of place and can hit their spinal cord."

Dr. Irving is one of only 170 board-certified veterinary neurologist in the world capable of performing this type of surgery.

After he's prepped, Frank is given a spinal tap to make sure the damaged vertebrae his highlighted. Then Dr. Irving carefully begins locating the exact spot to get to the damaged area in his spine.

To remove the build-up, Dr. Irving uses a drill to clear out the disc material in Frank's neck. It takes several hours of intense work, but Dr. Irving gets everything cleared out and now she has to wait and see.

Several days later, a whole new Frank walks through the vet doors. He is definitely on the road to recovery. "He has full range of motion and he's doing a lot better." says Dr. Irving.

Below are some links to learn more about Dr. Irving and board certified neurologists:

• http://tbvn.net/
• http://www.cavalierhealth.org/neurologists.htm