Clinical practices in the management of cervical Hansen type I intervertebral disc herniation among veterinary neurologists in North America and Europe.

Cervical IVDH management shows strong surgical consensus but significant regional variation in analgesia and medical protocols.

This cross-sectional survey study describes current clinical practices among ACVIM and ECVN board-certified veterinary neurologists in North America and Europe regarding the management of cervical Hansen Type I intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH). Of 233 responses collected via anonymous web-based survey, 198 met inclusion criteria. MRI was the predominant diagnostic modality across both groups. Surgical intervention was rarely recommended for first-presentation cervical pain alone, but was commonly indicated for recurrent or refractory pain, ambulatory tetraparesis, and non-ambulatory tetraparesis or tetraplegia. Urgency increased with worsening neurological dysfunction and presence of hypoventilation. Ventral slot decompression was the dominant surgical technique. Notable regional differences were identified: ACVIM neurologists more frequently employed corticosteroids, strict crate confinement, and prophylactic fenestration, while ECVN neurologists more commonly used NSAIDs, opioid-based analgesia (local or bolus techniques), and foraminal injections. These differences likely reflect variations in drug availability, regulatory frameworks, training traditions, and regional clinical culture. The study highlights strong consensus in diagnostic imaging and surgical approach but significant variability in analgesic strategies, medical management, and activity restriction protocols. The authors conclude that these knowledge gaps represent opportunities for prospective research and the development of evidence-based consensus guidelines to standardize clinical decision-making in cervical IVDH management.

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