Fenestration is performed at the time of disc surgery. The surgeon makes a small cut into the discs next to the one that herniated to remove a portion of the disc material. This reduces the chances of those discs herniating on their own later and damaging the spinal cord. The procedure is controversial, some surgeons use this procedure others do not.

Laser Disc Ablation is performed when a dog is not currently experiencing a disc episode and not in pain. Laser is used to vaporize the center of the discs that are most likely to rupture in the future. It is surgery but minimally invasive. Currently Oklahoma State University and the Dallas Veterinary Surgical Center are the only two known facilities that do this procedure.

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