Neurology/Neurosurgery

A diplomate in the field of veterinary neurology specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles). While neurology is a subspecialty of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, neurologists in veterinary medicine are also trained to perform neurosurgery. Neurosurgeries of the brain, spine, nerve and muscle are now considered routine in veterinary specialty practice.

A neurologic evaluation begins with a thorough physical exam, with special emphasis placed on assessing the nervous system. The neurologist will attempt to determine if a pet has a neurologic problem and if a problem exists, where in the nervous system this problem is located. Further testing is necessary to determine the actual cause of a pet's clinical signs (called symptoms in people).

The most common test ordered by a veterinary neurologist is an MRI (magnetic resonance image). MRI is an advanced imaging test that allows us to look, in a non-invasive way, inside the skull and spinal column to see disease processes affecting the brain and spinal cord. Occasionally, other tests are required to confirm a pet's diagnosis including: radiographs (x-rays), myelogram (spinal column dye study), CSF (spinal) tap, electrodiagnostic testing, advanced blood testing or even a biopsy of the nervous tissues.

Once a diagnosis is achieved, a neurologist's attention shifts toward potential treatment options. Most problems involving the nervous system are treatable, while others are potentially fixable! However, unfortunately, as is true in human medicine, some problems cannot be treated or corrected. Treatment may be as simple as oral medications given at home, injectable medications given while hospitalized, brain or spinal cord surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

Many neurologic diseases are manageable but not curable, so pets typically need to be on some type of long-term therapy. Patients on medications chronically must be monitored carefully and need periodic recheck exams over time. Successful treatment of neurologic conditions is dependent on teamwork between the owner, the family veterinarian, and the neurologist. With appropriate testing, treatment, and follow-up, a veterinary neurologist can assist pets to live happier, healthy lives.