Neurology is the branch of veterinary medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the nervous system. Common disorders affecting the nervous system include intervertebral disc disease, meningitis, encephalitis, epilepsy, cancer, degenerative disorders and trauma, peripheral nerve diseases.
The Neurology service at the VEC is overseen by board certified neurologists Drs. Stef Lim and Susan Cochrane, who are supported by a dedicated staff of specialized registered veterinary technicians.
After evaluating the patient, the neurologist will recommend the most appropriate diagnostic testing for the animal, in order to properly establish the neurological condition involved and to determine the treatment options. Some of the advanced diagnostic procedures that may be recommended include:
- Myelography
- CT Scan (Computed Tomography)
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
- Cerebrospinal Fluid Collection and Analysis
- Specialized Blood Testing
- BAER testing (Brain Stem Auditory Evoked Response)
- EMG (Electromyography)
- NCV (Nerve Conduction Velocity)
A wide variety of treatment and monitoring options are offered, including:
- Spinal cord decompression for intervertebral disc disease & cancer
- Intracranial surgery
- Medical Therapy for meningitis, cancer, seizures etc.
- Intensive care for cluster seizure patients
As a part of the VEC’s diverse referral clinic, the Neurology service has direct consultative access to veterinary specialists in various other disciplines, ensuring the most complete approach to each patient’s medical and surgical needs.
The VEC is a 24 hour, 7 day a week facility. All patients requiring hospitalization will be closely monitored throughout the day and night by qualified veterinarians and registered veterinary technical staff. The comfort, safety and well being of the patient are their primary concern.
Click to view images of:
Normal Vertebrae
Intravertebral Disk Disease
The images accessible through the above links have been reprinted with permission by the copyright owner, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, from the Atlas of Veterinary Clinical Anatomy. These illustrations should not be downloaded, printed or copied except for personal, non-commercial use.
