Plus-Hex CLINICAL reinforcement; this approach allowed her to gain confidence with lifting her head and walking around more independently.
Changes in the environment or stimulation can aid in reducing anxiety in patients [ 15 ], which appeared to be the case for Nala. Over a period of time, the staff would enter the kennel and offer Nala a treat, then leave the kennel without pain scoring her or doing anything that might cause her to become anxious. Towards the end of her stay, although she was still ataxic, she was able to support most of her weight, and she was discharged 7 days after her procedure.
Monitoring Nala ' s neurological status should have been more fully integrated into her treatment plan. This might have assisted the nursing team in interpreting her behaviour and facilitating the delivery of appropriate care, potentially reducing the behavioural irritation she exhibited during her hospitalisation. Neurological grading perioperatively could provide a broader overview of a patient ' s neurological status [ 16 ] and potentially help the nursing team to distinguish more clearly between indicators of pain and behavioural signs.
Conclusions
VNs play a central role in the postoperative management of patients undergoing invasive spinal surgery such as dorsal laminectomy and durotomy. Drawing on Nala ' s case, this article has highlighted how meticulous nursing care – including vigilant pain assessment, appropriate use of multimodal analgesia, physiotherapy and prevention of secondary complications – is fundamental to successful recovery.
Behavioural and psychological factors, particularly anxiety and loss of independence, can complicate pain interpretation and risk both under- and over-treatment of the patient.
The use of positive reinforcement, environmental modification and gentle, consistent handling proved valuable in reducing anticipatory distress in Nala and encouraging more normal behaviour and mobility. Critically, this case underlines the importance of integrating neurological, behavioural and welfare assessment into postoperative nursing plans, rather than focusing on pain scores in isolation.
Further research is needed to clarify how anxiety influences observed pain behaviours in dogs and to develop tools that help VNs distinguish between signs of nociceptive pain and anxiety-driven responses.
Ultimately, recognising the individuality of each patient and adapting nursing interventions accordingly is essential to optimising outcomes and advancing evidence-based veterinary nursing practice.
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