Neurology
Information on Our Veterinary Neurological Center:
What is veterinary neurology?
The neurology team at Puget Sound Veterinary Specialists strives to provide excellent care for pets affected by neurologic disease. We understand the fear and anxiety that comes from your beloved pet being suddenly affecting by a neurologic condition, such as or paralysis. Prompt, and sometimes emergent, care is often necessary to ensure the best quality of life for your pet – to get them back to walking, seeing, or playing as they normally would. At PSVS, our neurologist is board-certified and the neurology team not only seek to offer pets the best possible care, but to support owners and help them understand their pet’s disease, as well.
What does a veterinary neurologist do?
A veterinary neurologist is a board-certified member of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, specializing in neurology & neurosurgery. They have completed a minimum of four years of additional training after receiving their doctorate of veterinary medicine, including a rigorous three year residency and several phases of specialty board examinations.
What can you expect during a neurology appointment?
Prior to your pet’s appointment, the team at PSVS will request all records and medical tests pertaining to your pet’s recent illness so that they can be thoroughly reviewed. During a neurology appointment, you will meet several members of the neurology team including technicians and the neurologist. We will ask you detailed questions about your pet’s recent illness, and general health history. A neurologic exam will be performed, which includes assessment of vision, movement, reflexes, and behavior. Following your pet’s examination, our neurologist will discuss with you a diagnostic and treatment plan. Common diagnostic tests that may be recommended are lab work, x-rays, MRI, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Depending upon your pet’s unique situation, diagnostic testing may be recommended the day of your appointment or may be scheduled at a future date.
Common conditions treated our veterinary neurological center:
- Seizures
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Meningitis of unknown etiology (MUE)
- Diskospondylitis
- Brain, spinal cord, or nerve sheath tumors
- Congenital neurologic disease (such as hydrocephalus)
- Chiari-Like malformation and syringohydromyelia
- Cervical spondylomyelopathy (Wobbler syndrome)
- Infectious neurologic disease
- Muscle and nerve diseases such as myasthenia graves and polyradiculoneuritis
Common procedures performed by veterinary neurologists:
- Interventional spinal surgeries such as hemilaminectomies, ventral slots, atlantoaxial subluxation and spinal fracture stabilization
- Craniectomy/craniotomies
- Cerebrospinal fluid taps
- Epidural steroid injections
- Electromyogram and nerve conduction studies
- Muscle/nerve biopsies