Revolutionizing Spinal Care: Dr. Gaemia Tracy Brings SpineShield PLDA™ Training to the East Coast
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is one of the most common spinal disorders affecting dogs—especially breeds like Dachshunds, Beagles, Basset Hounds, and French Bulldogs. For these at-risk breeds, the risk of thoracolumbar disc herniation can be life-altering. But now, a groundbreaking procedure is changing the way veterinarians approach prevention—and Pennsylvania veterinary neurologist, Dr. Gaemia Tracy is leading the way.
Introducing Percutaneous Laser Disc Ablation (PLDA)
PLDA is an innovative, minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to prevent thoracolumbar intervertebral disc herniation before it happens. Unlike traditional spinal surgeries that require extensive incisions, PLDA uses tiny spinal needles to deliver a fiber-optic laser directly into the disc nucleus. The laser energy liquefies the disc material, reducing the risk of herniation without cutting muscle, bone, or skin.
The result? A safer, faster recovery with most dogs returning home within 24 to 48 hours and resuming normal activity within one to two weeks. This preventive procedure has been verified as a safe and effective option for dogs predisposed to IVDD, making it an invaluable tool for reducing pain, paralysis, and costly emergency surgeries later in life.
Why It Matters for High-Risk Breeds
Certain breeds—such as Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, and Beagles—are genetically predisposed to disc herniation. For these dogs, PLDA offers a proactive solution that can dramatically reduce the likelihood of severe spinal issues.
Eligibility criteria include:
Belonging to a high-risk breed
Being pain-free and medication-free for the last two weeks
Importantly, PLDA can be performed prophylactically, meaning dogs do not need to have a prior diagnosis of back problems to qualify.
Specialized Training Now Available for Veterinary Neurologists and Surgeons
Currently, Eastern Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Center (EPVMC) in Allentown, is one of only four hospitals in the United States offering PLDA—and Dr. Gaemia Tracy is the only doctor on the East Coast performing this advanced procedure.
In addition to treating patients, Dr. Tracy is now offering, SpineShield PLDA™ - a specialized surgical training programs for board-certified veterinary neurologists and surgeons who want to add PLDA to their skill set. This hands-on training equips specialists with the knowledge and technical expertise to confidently perform this minimally invasive surgery in their own practices.
About Dr. Gaemia Tracy
Dr. Tracy, a neurology and neurosurgery expert, completed his residency in Neurology/Neurosurgery at North Florida Neurology. His clinical interests include intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), Atlantoaxial instability, inflammatory CNS diseases, and seizure management. Passionate about advancing veterinary neurosurgery, Dr. Tracy is committed to bringing innovative solutions—like PLDA—to both patients and the veterinary community.
The Future of Spinal Health for Dogs
With PLDA, prevention is finally possible. By offering both the procedure to pet owners and advanced training to veterinary specialists, Dr. Tracy is helping safeguard countless dogs from debilitating spinal injuries.
For more information about PLDA, referrals, or surgical training opportunities, contact Dr. Gaemia Tracy
