Course Details |
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| Course Title | Surgical Treatment of Wobbler Syndrome, Spinal Fractures, & DLSS using C-LOX, the LeiPED Pedicle Screw System, & LeiCAGE Intervertebral Cages | |
| Course Fee | € 1390.00 (excl. VAT) | |
| Course Language | in English | |
| CE Credits | 12 hours | |
| Faculty | Prof. Dr. Björn Meij (DVM, PhD, Dipl. ECVS) | |
| Registration |
Due to overwhelming demand, this workshop is already fully booked. But don’t worry! we know how exciting this course is for you. That’s why we’re already planning a new date for next year. Join our waiting list here to be the first to receive updates about the upcoming workshop and secure your spot. |
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| Flyer | Download flyer → |
Course Summary |
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The Spinal Weekend is an intensive 2-day course designed for veterinarians seeking to elevate their expertise in diagnosing and surgically treating complex spinal conditions in dogs—and even cats. Through a carefully curated mix of lectures, interactive sessions, and hands-on labs, this course offers a deep dive into the anatomy, pathology, imaging, and stabilization techniques of the cervical and lumbosacral spine. Day 1: Focus on the Cervical Spine The first day centers around Caudal Cervical Spondylomyelopathy (CCSM)—commonly known as “Wobbler Syndrome.” Participants begin with an in-depth lecture on its pathophysiology and clinical presentation, followed by a session on advanced diagnostic imaging techniques for the cervical spine. A highlight of Day 1 is the detailed walkthrough of the C-LOX implant system, covering surgical planning, instrumentation, and application techniques. The day culminates in a wet lab session using cadaver specimens, providing hands-on experience in C-LOX application under expert guidance. Day 2: Lumbosacral Spine and Stabilization Techniques Day 2 transitions to thoracolumbar and lumbosacral conditions, including both canine and feline cases. The morning covers spinal diseases, imaging interpretation, and surgical indications for stabilization—particularly in Degenerative Lumbosacral Stenosis (DLSS) and spinal fractures. Participants are introduced to advanced spinal implant technologies, including the innovative LeiPED Pedicle Screw System and the LeiCAGE Intervertebral Titanium Cages. The session covers technical details, surgical indications, and dedicated instrumentation for both systems. Together, LeiPED and LeiCAGE are designed to ensure reliable spinal fixation, restore disc height, support fusion, and provide immediate biomechanical stability with long-term osseointegration. In the afternoon, attendees will engage in a combined dry/wet lab, practicing the use of the RL system on spinal models to gain tactile familiarity and technical precision. |
Who Should Attend? |
| This course is ideal for veterinarians with a solid foundation in orthopedic surgery who wish to advance into spinal procedures. Whether you’re looking to begin offering spinal surgeries or refine your approach with the latest implant systems, this weekend will provide the theoretical framework and practical experience needed to confidently move forward. |
About C-LOX Intervertebral Fusion Distraction |
| C-LOX is a spinal disk replacement implant for the cervical spine of dogs. This intervertebral anchored fusion spacer can be used for the treatment of Canine Cervical Spondylomyelopathy (Wobbler Syndrome) and provides a valuable alternative to the more complicated distraction-fusion techniques. C-LOX was developed by RITA LEIBINGER in cooperation with Prof. Dr. Franck Forterre, Bern University (Switzerland). The open sponge Titanium construct of our C-LOX Cages allows for rapid bone growth throughout the cage. |
About LeiPED Pedicle Screw System |
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Precision Spinal Stabilization for Canine Patients Developed specifically for the unique anatomical demands of veterinary spinal surgery, the new LeiPED Pedicle Screw & Rod System sets a new standard in vertebral column fixation. With its innovative asymmetric screw head and side-loading rod design, LeiPED offers exceptional stability, optimal anatomical adaptation, and space-saving advantages—making it the superior choice for both routine and complex procedures. |
About LeiCAGE Intervertebral Cages |
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Designed to restore intervertebral disc height, support spinal fusion, and ensure immediate biomechanical stability and osseointegration. |
Instructor: Dr. Björn Meij (DVM, PhD, Dipl. ECVS, MRCVS) |
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| Björn Meij is a Dutch veterinarian, professor and European specialist (Diplomate ECVS) in small animal surgery since 1993. Today, he is head of surgery at the Utrecht university where he leads a team of specialist surgeons and is ECVS resident coordinator. Dr. Meij is well-known for his research within orthopaedics and neurosurgery. |
Course Agenda |
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| Day 1 | |
| 9:00 | Registration |
| 9:30 | Caudal Cervical Spondylomyelopathy |
| 10:00 | Diagnostic Imaging of the Cervical Spine |
| 10:30 | Coffee Break |
| 10:50 | C-LOX: Implants, Instruments, Surgical Planning, Application Technique |
| 12:00 | Lunch |
| 13:00 | Wet Lab |
| 15:30 | Coffee Break |
| 15:45 – 16:15 | Q&A, Final Discussion, Adjourn |
| Day 2 | |
| 8:30 | Spinal Diseases in Dogs and Cats: Imaging and Indications for Stabilization |
| 9:30 | Coffee Break |
| 9:45 | Low Back Pain and Degenerative Lumbosacral Stenosis (DLSS) Introduction to Pedicle Screws: Indications and Use in Spinal Diseases (Fractures and DLSS) Introduction to the LeiPED Pedicle Screw System and LeiCAGE Intervertebral Cages: Technical Details and Instruments |
| 12:00 | Lunch |
| 13:00 – 16:30 | Dry Lab / Wet Lab: Hands-on workshop with the LeiPED Pedicle Screw System and LeiCAGE Intervertebral Cages on spine models |