Here at Modern Veterinary Hospital, we are aware of the fact that having your furry friend deal with neurological disease can be incredibly traumatizing. Every part of every movement, behavior, and quality of your pet’s life depends on the health and function of the nervous system (the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles). When something goes wrong in this complex system, the consequences can be swift, severe, and even life-altering.
Veterinary neurology is a branch of veterinary medicine that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and managing disorders of the animal nervous system. Our hospital is proud to be the only full-service veterinary hospital in the UAE with a neurology department. It has board-certified veterinary neurologists on staff and the latest technology. We aim to provide pets with neurological problems the best care, compassion, and expertise possible, enabling them to return to a comfortable, mobile, and happy state.
Warning Signs That Indicate A Neurological Check-Up For Pets:
Seizures Or Sudden Muscle Twitching
Disorientation Or Sudden Confusion
Difficulty Walking Or Paralysis
Head Tilting Or Circling Behavior
Loss Of Coordination Or Balance
Changes In Mood Or Behavior
Sensitivity Or Pain In Neck Or Back
Sudden Falling Or Collapse
Unexplained Weakness Or Limb Dragging
Tremors Or Shaking Episodes
Abnormal Eye Movements Or Vision Loss
Unusual Vocalization Or Anxiety

What Is Veterinary Neurology?
Veterinary medicine, known as veterinary neurology, focuses on conditions that affect the nervous system, particularly the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscles. Problems in this system can show up as changes in how you move, act, feel, or even think. Some neurological diseases are passed down from parents to children, while others come about because of trauma, infection, inflammation, tumours, or changes that happen over time.
Neurological conditions can be complex and require specialised knowledge, advanced diagnostics, and often a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, as the nervous system regulates many vital functions.
Neurological Problems That Pets Often Have
Our neurology team is well-equipped to diagnose and treat a wide range of neurological disorders in dogs and cats. We treat a variety of conditions, including the following:
● Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders: Seizures that happen again and again can be caused by genetic conditions, brain tumours, inflammation, or factors that aren’t known (idiopathic).
● Meningitis and encephalitis cause inflammation of the brain and/or spinal cord. Infections or immune-mediated diseases often cause these conditions.
● Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): Discs that have herniated or slipped in the spine can put pressure on the spinal cord, leading to pain, paralysis, or loss of bladder and bowel control.
● Injuries to the spinal cord and head can cause severe neurological problems.
● Brain tumours can be either cancerous or noncancerous, leading to alterations in behaviour, seizures, or a loss of coordination.
● Degenerative Myelopathy is a disease that gets worse over time and affects the spinal cord, especially in older dogs. It causes weakness and eventually paralysis.
● Peripheral neuropathies affect the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, leading to weakness, muscle loss, or strange sensations.
● Congenital Disorders include hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain) and cerebellar hypoplasia (the cerebellum not growing properly).
● Muscle Disorders (Myopathies): Conditions that affect the muscles and often cause weakness, tremors, or trouble exercising.
Warning Signs of Neurological Problems in Pets
Pets can’t tell us when something is wrong, so their owners need to be vigilant for small or sudden changes that may indicate a neurological problem. Here are some warning signs to look out for:
● Sensitivity or pain in the neck or back: resistance to moving, yelping when touched, or holding the head or back in an odd position.
● Problems with balance include stumbling, falling, going in circles, or having trouble standing.
● Abnormal Eye Movements: Nystagmus, or quick, jerky movements; pupils not the same size; or loss of vision.
● Disorientation and Confusion: Looking lost, staring into space, or not knowing people or places you know.
● Problems with moving around: weakness, dragging limbs, paralysis, or inability to walk.
● Sudden episodes of falling, twitching muscles, paddling, or loss of consciousness are known as seizures.
● Changes in behaviour, like sudden anger, anxiety, depression, or compulsive actions.
These signs may appear suddenly or gradually over time. If you notice any of these signs, please take your pet to the veterinarian immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact your pet’s health and quality of life.
Why Choose a Veterinary Neurologist?
Neurological disorders frequently require the expertise of a specialist, even though general veterinarians are skilled in many aspects of pet health. Veterinary neurologists have received specialized training in diagnosing and treating complex nervous system diseases. To provide truly comprehensive care, Modern Veterinary Hospital’s board-certified neurology specialists collaborate with other departments, including surgery, internal medicine, and rehabilitation.

When Might Your Pet Need a Neurology Referral?
● Persistent or unexplained seizures
● Sudden onset of weakness or paralysis
● Loss of coordination or balance
● Unexplained pain or sensitivity along the spine
● Changes in behavior, vision, or consciousness
● Head trauma or spinal injuries
Advanced Diagnostics: Getting to the Root of the Problem
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective neurological care. Our hospital is equipped with the latest diagnostic tools to pinpoint the source of your pet’s symptoms:
● Neurological Examination: A thorough hands-on assessment of reflexes, coordination, sensation, and muscle tone.
● Advanced Imaging:
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- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): The gold standard for visualizing the brain and spinal cord in detail.
- Ultrasound: This is used to evaluate soft tissue structures and guide specific procedures.
- Radiography (X-rays): To assess bone structure and rule out fractures or spinal deformities.
- Myelography: A special imaging technique using contrast dye to highlight the spinal cord and detect compressions or lesions.
● Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis: Collecting and analyzing spinal fluid to identify infections, inflammation, or bleeding.
● Electrodiagnostics, Such as EMG (electromyography) and nerve conduction studies, to assess nerve and muscle function.
● Laboratory Testing: Blood work, infectious disease screening, and genetic testing as needed.
Services Offered At A Veterinary Neurology Clinic Include:
Full Neurological Examinations
Muscle & Nerve Disorder Management
MRI & Advanced Imaging Diagnostics
Pain Management & Supportive Care
Treatment For Epilepsy & Seizure Disorders
Rehabilitation & Physiotherapy Programs
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) Surgery
Hydrotherapy & Laser Therapy Options
Spinal & Brain Tumor Treatments
Emergency Neurology Care Services
Neurosurgery For Traumatic Injuries
Collaborative Multidisciplinary Treatment Plans

Treatment Options: Medical, Surgical, and Supportive Care
Once we identify the issue with your pet, our neurology team will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs, taking into account their age, condition, and overall health. Some of the treatments that may be used are:
Medical Management
● Anticonvulsant medications are used to control seizures in people with epilepsy and other seizure disorders.
● Anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive medications are used for conditions like meningitis, encephalitis, or autoimmune diseases.
● Pain Management: Using drugs, nerve blocks, and therapies that don’t involve drugs to relieve pain in many ways.
● Antibiotics or antivirals can help with neurological diseases caused by infections.
● Supportive care includes IV fluids, nutritional support, and bladder management when needed.
Neurosurgery
Surgical treatment is required for some neurological conditions. Our surgeons are board-certified and skilled in:
● Spinal Surgery: For herniated discs (IVDD), spinal fractures, or tumours.
● Brain Surgery: For the removal of accessible tumours or relief of pressure from bleeding or swelling.
● Nerve and Muscle Surgery: For repair of traumatic injuries or congenital disabilities.
We utilize advanced anesthesia and monitoring for all surgeries, and our team ensures that pain control and patient safety are always top priorities.
Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy
Specialised rehabilitation is frequently required after neurological disease or surgery. Here are some things our hospital offers:
● Physical therapy includes exercises to help you regain strength, coordination, and mobility.
● Water-based therapy to support movement with less pain and strain is called hydrotherapy.
● Laser therapy and acupuncture are used to help nerves heal and ease pain.
● Assistive Devices: Carts, harnesses, or splints help pets with trouble moving around.
The Modern Veterinary Hospital Difference: Compassion, Expertise, and Technology
When you choose Modern Veterinary Hospital for your pet’s neurological care, you choose a knowledgeable and caring team. Board-certified specialists with decades of experience diagnosing and treating the most difficult neurological disorders run our neurology department. To reflect the best practices in veterinary medicine, we invest in the newest technology and regularly update our protocols.
We understand that having a pet with a neurological disease can be very hard. Our team members are dedicated to providing you with clear, compassionate communication, including explanations of diagnoses and treatment options, as well as ongoing support. We think every pet should have a chance to live a happy and comfortable life, and we will do everything we can to make that happen for your pet.
Take the Next Step: Advanced Neurology Care for Your Pet
Don’t wait if your pet shows signs of neurological distress, like seizures, trouble walking, sudden changes in behaviour, or pain that can’t be explained. Early diagnosis and treatment can drastically improve your pet’s comfort and recovery.
Call Modern Veterinary Hospital today to schedule a neurology appointment for your pet. This will give them the best chance at a long, healthy life.
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