Neurology & Neurosurgery

We use advanced diagnostic modalities to accurately and efficiently determine the cause of your pet’s neurologic symptoms (such as balance problems, weakness/inability to walk, paralysis, back/neck pain, behavior changes, and seizures). After a diagnosis is made, a specialized treatment plan is developed to provide optimal care for each individual patient and their family.

Our Neurology and Neurosurgery department understands the profound bond between you and your pet. Our dedicated and compassionate team will provide the highest quality care, using cutting-edge neurodiagnostic tests, medicine, and, if indicated, neurosurgery.

When your pet is referred for neurological evaluation and treatment, our doctors work closely with you and your family veterinarian to ensure that the unique needs of each patient are met and the best possible outcome is achieved.

The AVES neurology department often collaborates with the surgery, internal medicine, critical care, and oncology departments, as neurological conditions frequently have underlying or complicating medical issues.

Diagnosing Neurologic Disease

Evaluations begin with a detailed assessment of your pet’s medical history and your current concerns. A thorough physical and neurologic examination is performed to localize the problem to a specific part of the nervous system. Based on the findings, a plan for diagnostic testing is developed.

Sometimes, pets with neurologic disease exhibit distressing symptoms such as unusual behavior, paralysis, difficulty walking, tremors, and seizures. Home videos of your pet’s behaviors or symptoms can aid in our evaluation and assessment.

The Neurology & Neurosurgery department offers a full range of on-site neurodiagnostic testing, including:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Our 1.5 Tesla MRI unit provides high-resolution, multi-plane images, allowing us to visualize soft tissue structures, including the nervous system, that would otherwise not be visible with traditional radiography (x-rays). MRI is the standard of care for evaluating the nervous system and is the superior imaging modality compared to CT and digital radiography for many neurological disorders.

Computed Tomography (CT) - Our 8-slice helical CT scanner generates 3D images that provide our specialists with precise, detailed, and quick information.
Digital Radiography (X-rays) - Digital radiography provides 2D images for general assessment of the vertebral column. It is also used during the health screening of a patient undergoing advanced neurodiagnostics (CT, MRI, CSF sampling).
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Sampling and Analysis - Fluid is collected from around the brain and spinal cord and then thoroughly analyzed.
Laboratory Procedures - This includes, but is not limited to, complete blood counts, biochemistry profiles, and infectious disease testing.
Nerve and Muscle Biopsy - A biopsy is a simple surgical procedure that allows muscles and nerves to be evaluated microscopically by a veterinary pathologist.

Treating Neurologic Disease

Once diagnosed, the neurologist creates a specific, tailored treatment plan for each patient with a neurological disorder. Treatment plans may include medical management, physical rehabilitation, and brain or spinal surgery.

Our board-certified neurologists are exceptionally trained in both medical and surgical veterinary neurology and specialize in the management of neurological conditions, including, but not limited to: