What is Veterinary Neurology?

Veterinary neurology is a medical speciality concerned with diseases affecting the nervous system. Animals afflicted by a wide variety of disorders related to the nervous system exhibit a wide array of clinical signs including weakness, seizures, pain, coordination problems, behavioral changes, etc. There are many causes of these disorders, ranging from hereditary problems and trauma to infection, inflammation, neoplasia (tumors) and degenerative conditions of aging.

Schedule Your Pet’s
Neurology Consultation

Common Neurological
Conditions in Pets

Our Neurology Service provides advanced diagnostic and treatment services for dogs and cats with a variety of neurological conditions. Early diagnosis and timely treatment will help improve recovery time, increase mobility, provide comfort and improve the quality of life of your pet.

Seizures &
Epilepsy

Dogs and cats can experience many types of seizures and epilepsy. Common causes include: genetics, disease, infection, toxic substances or traumatic injury to the brain. Because managing seizures requires consistent monitoring and medication use over an extended period of time, you must work closely with us to evaluate the effectiveness of these treatments.

Spinal &
Mobility Problems

Problems caused by damage to the spine can create a multitude of physical issues, including inability to walk, paralysis, weakness, pain, discomfort, and poor balance. We diagnose and treat all forms of spinal problems using comprehensive examinations of the pet’s musculoskeletal and nervous systems.

Neurological
Injuries & Trauma

Sudden onset of neurological deficits (weakness, paralysis, confusion) secondary to acute traumatic brain or spinal injury requires immediate evaluation and emergency treatment as soon as possible after the injury to decrease the likelihood of severe complications and improve the chances of successful recovery.

Brain & Nerve
Inflammation

These inflammatory diseases have their origin either in an infectious process or an autoimmune disorder. As such, these disorders may progress rapidly and therefore require sophisticated diagnostics, intensive care and prolonged medical management.

Balance &
Coordination Disorders

The nervous system, along with the inner ear, regulates balance. Symptoms include: head tilt, falling, unusual eye movements or becoming disoriented. An accurate diagnosis will allow us to determine which part of the body is affected and help us determine the best course of action.

Brain &
Spinal Tumors

Tumors located in the central nervous system may produce clinical signs such as seizures, personality changes, pain, weakness, mobility problems or visual deficits. Due to the complexity involved with CNS tumors it is often required to perform extensive studies using various imaging modalities and undergo specialized treatment protocols.

Early Warning Signs of
Neurological Issues in Pets

Pets can’t tell us when something is wrong, so their owners need to be on the lookout for small or sudden changes that may be a neurological problem. Here are some warning signs to look out for:

Back or neck pain

Difficulty with balance or coordination

Head tilt

Unusual eye movements

Vision loss or blindness

Confusion

Weakness or paralysis

Dragging one of the limbs

Seizure

Muscles twitching or tremors

Behavioral changes

Loss of bladder or bowel control

Circling

Sudden collapse

Changes in voice/bark

Difficulty swallowing

Advanced Neurological Diagnostics

The key to providing excellent veterinary care for pet neurology disorders is accurate diagnosis. Modern Vet Clinics uses the latest technology along with extensive experience in clinical practice to quickly and accurately diagnose the cause of your pet’s symptoms.

Neurological Examination

A thorough neurological examination is the essential first step. A detailed and hands on exam will allow us to evaluate all aspects of your pet’s neurology. We will assess the presence or absence of reflexes, coordination, balance, sensations and cranial nerves as well as muscle tone. Each one of these functions will be evaluated so we can determine where the abnormality lies in the body.

Advanced Imaging

Modern Vet Clinics utilizes state-of-the-art imaging modalities to provide high-quality images of the brain and spine. Veterinary MRI is the gold standard for neuroimaging; however, other pet diagnostic imaging modalities such as CT scans, X-rays (primarily for bones), and ultrasound are used to assist in identifying fractures, tumors and spinal cord injuries.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis

CSF analysis is another very important diagnostic tool. It allows us to look for signs of infection, inflammation, autoimmune diseases and hemorrhage within the CNS. CSF analysis supports our ability to make an accurate diagnosis and make the best possible recommendations for the treatment of your pet.

Lab and Cytology Support

With our fully equipped in-house lab, we have the capability to rapidly perform blood tests and diagnostic testing to allow for timely clinical decision making. Cytology also allows for quick cell identification and reference labs can provide additional testing, like histopathology to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Comprehensive Diagnostic Approach

When we integrate the findings from our clinical exams, advanced imaging, and lab diagnostics, we can then accurately diagnose your pet and develop an individualized treatment plan. Our treatment options may include medical management, rehabilitation or surgery depending on what your pet needs.

Comprehensive Neurological
Treatment Options

Individualised
Treatment Planning

Each case will have an individualized treatment plan, which will take into account your pet’s diagnosis, how severe the condition is, and overall health. Our access to specialized diagnostic tools and specialists also enables us to make accurate choices about what type of treatment would be best suited to you.

Medical
Management

Medical management seeks to stabilize the neurological functions of the patient by controlling seizures; providing an anti-inflammatory treatment, treating the patient’s pain, and preventing infections. The rapid in house laboratory support provides the opportunity to adjust the medical management as necessary, thereby optimizing the response to the treatment and ultimately the patient’s outcome.

Surgical
Interventions

Surgical intervention may be required in certain conditions affecting the brain or spinal cord and may include disc disease or tumors. The hospital has several operating theaters which are equipped with the latest technology and monitoring systems and there are also options for minimally invasive surgery which reduces the risks associated with surgery and promotes faster recovery.

Rehabilitation and Functional Recovery

Our physical therapy services, rehabilitation, and functional recovery services, which include hydrotherapy and laser therapy, among other treatments, help your pet regain mobility, strengthen your pet’s muscles, and improve their quality of life after injury or surgery.

Supportive and
Critical Care

Patients are admitted to the hospital for continuous monitoring and stabilization. A 24 hour emergency service is available at all times and an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) provides ongoing monitoring and treatment for critically ill patients. In addition, advanced supportive care is essential in the treatment of acute neurological diseases and to support the recovery of patients after surgery.

Long Term Management and Multidisciplinary Care

Continuing care will involve ongoing assessment and adjustment of treatments and collaboration between multidisciplinary teams of professionals including neurology, surgery, imaging and rehabilitation. This integrated approach to continuing care will ensure continuity of care and promote long term neurological health and well-being.

Learn More About “Veterinary Neurology”

Expert Neurology Care
for Your Pet

Frequently Asked Questions

Your pet may need referral to a neurologist if it displays symptoms that could be indicative of a neurological disorder, including seizures, weakness, inability to walk, loss of balance, paralysis, or rapid behavioral changes.

Typically, a diagnosis will involve a complete neurological exam, advanced imaging using MRIs or CT scans, laboratory tests or analysis of the pet’s cerebrospinal fluid.

Yes. Some types of infections and some types of tumors can be successfully treated. However, others, like epilepsy and degenerative conditions, cannot be cured but can be well managed with treatment so that they have a high quality of life.

The recovery time depends upon the type of surgery performed, the pet’s overall health, and the underlying cause of their neurologic dysfunction. Typically, most patients require a period of rest, pain medication, physical rehabilitation and close veterinary care to maximize their chances for a successful recovery.

Be sure to administer all prescribed medications and adhere to the rehabilitation plan; create a safe and comfortable living space for your pet and monitor your pet for any potential complications. Regular visits to the vet neurologist will also allow you to provide your pet with the highest possibility for a successful recovery.

Meet the Team and Schedule your Appoinment

Modern Veterinary Clinic is the UAE’s only 24-hour multi-specialty vet hospital. What truly sets us apart is our team of highly qualified specialists, all dedicated to one goal, keeping your pets healthy. With a multinational team, years of experience, and many successful treatments, you can trust that your pet is in safe hands with us.

Dr. Rocio Mena
DVM
Dr. Moustafa Hafez
DVM
Dr. Roy Hassoun
DVM, MVSC, BVSc, DISAMS, DSAS

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Compassionate Neurology Care
for Every Pet