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Neurology and Neurosurgery
Just like humans, when pets have a problem with their nervous system, the symptoms and causes can vary greatly. This means they can require extra effort to diagnose and treat properly. Our neurology and neurosurgery team works closely with each patient’s family veterinarian to obtain and review your pet’s medical history and any previous diagnostic testing. Then our neurologists examine your pet to determine the source of the neurological problem. This allows us to focus our testing on the correct area of the body.
Conditions We Treat
Neurologic diseases affect the brain, spinal cord and/or nerves. They affect how your pet moves, how your pet behaves or can cause discomfort or pain for your pet. Some of the most common neurologic problems are
- Herniated disc
- Epilepsy and other seizure disorders
- Stroke
- Traumatic spinal and/or head injury
- Hearing loss
- Vision loss
- Movement disorders (such as difficulty standing and walking)
If your pet is admitted for hospitalization at CARE, please review our Admissions Guide to help answer questions about your pet’s stay.
Diagnostics We Use/Services We Provide
The primary diagnostic test we use is the neurological exam. Based on this hands-on assessment, we can determine the location of the problem and consider a list of possible causes. We discuss options with our clients to determine next steps. Often a final diagnosis relies on advanced diagnostic testing such as a Computed Tomography (CT) scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to differentiate possibilities. CARE offers on-site CT and MR imaging. This enables us to get your pet scheduled for advanced diagnostics rapidly, often on the same day as your appointment.
Some neurologic problems can be managed with medication; others require surgery. At CARE, we always discuss your pet’s treatment options with you before deciding on the best course of action. For pets with neurological diseases, it is important that we provide you with complete and accurate information so you can select the best treatment options for your pet and your family.
If your pet requires surgery, we have a dedicated, fully equipped neurosurgical suite. In addition, CARE’s neurology team includes one of the few specialists worldwide who is board-certified in both surgery and neurology. During delicate neurosurgeries, CARE uses a state-of-the-art 3D surgical exoscope which allows superior visualization. We are one of very few private veterinary practices with this technology.
contact us or call (704) 457-2300.
Neurology and Neurosurgery FAQ
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What is a neurologic exam?
A neurological exam, or neuro exam, is a hands-on, thorough examination that checks the patient’s nervous system. We watch the pet walk to examine gait, test reflexes in both the head and body and assess for any areas of discomfort. This helps us to narrow down where the problem is occurring.
How is a neurologic exam performed?
The exam can include tests of the eyes’ response to light, tests of joint reflexes and watching the patient walk to evaluate for balance, coordination and signs of weakness.
What is a CT scan?
Computed tomography, or CT, is an advanced imaging diagnostic test that uses X-rays to generate images of the body. It is most commonly used to assess injury to the bones of the skull and spine or to evaluate spinal implants following spinal stabilization surgery. We also use CT images to make 3D models of the skull or spine for advanced surgical planning. While this is a relatively rapid scan, pets must be sedated to hold still long enough to complete the scan.
What is an MRI?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, is an advanced imaging diagnostic test that uses a magnet to create images of the body. Patients are placed into the MRI machine, which creates a strong magnetic field to create a 3-dimensional image of the patient’s internal structures. MRI provides high detail of soft tissue structures of the body such as the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. For example, the MRI might show a brain tumor or can show a slipped disc pinching the spinal cord. MRI requires pets to be perfectly still to acquire good images, and since the MRI can be noisy and the table moves throughout the scan pets are placed under light, general anesthesia for this test.
How successful is treatment for neurological diseases?
Treatment success depends on the type and extent of the problem. The expected outcome of any procedure or medication is an important discussion with your pet’s neurologist. Our goal is always to inform you of your options, and then get your pet home as quickly as possible while experiencing the best long-term results.
How do I schedule an appointment?
To schedule an appointment with our Neurology/Neurosurgery department, ask for a referral from your primary veterinarian.
If your pet is unable to walk or seems to be having an emergency, please call (704) 457-2300 to let us know you are bringing your pet in through our Emergency Service. We are open 24/7/365 for emergency care.
Can I drop my pet off for treatment?
Under most circumstances you will be asked to wait with your pet through initial examinations. If additional advanced imaging is required, you may leave your pet while those are performed because they require time for sedation, scanning and waking up. We will notify you when the exams are complete to discuss the next steps or to let you know your pet is ready to go home.
How do I take care of my pet after treatment?
When your pet is sent home with you, our neurology team will discuss specific instructions for taking care of your pet in the period following treatment. The instructions will depend on the type of treatment given, but may include administering medications at specific times, limiting your pet’s activity and bringing your pet back for follow-up check-ups.
My neurologist/neurosurgeon is board certified. What does that mean?
Board certification is a rigorous credentialing system veterinary neurologists and neurosurgeons go through to enhance their education and experience and to bring you the most current knowledge and skills. For more detailed information, you can visit the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) website, which provides an overview of board certification in veterinary specialties.
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Our Neurology and Neurosurgery Doctors
Vet Tech Profiles
Farra Corry, RVT
Neurology Service Deputy
Job responsibilities
As service deputy for the neurology team, Farra works with patients from when they enter the hospital to when they leave – with experiences in everything from intake to pre-anesthetics, to MRI, to surgical anesthesia and, finally, to discharge. And whenever she has some down time, Farra jumps in to assist other departments. This could range from helping out with laundry to assisting with kennel cleaning or jumping in with CPR.
Vet Tech education
During Farra’s senior year in college, she took a dog walking class at a local animal shelter. There, she worked with a human- and animal-aggressive dog named Trip until he became adoptable. Farra’s experience with Trip inspired her to learn more about working with all animals, but especially difficult animals. So, she went to vet tech school at Central Carolina Community College. After graduating, she joined the internship program at CARE in 2021, rotating through all the specialties, and moving permanently to the neurology service a year later.
Hometown
Farra was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Best part of her job
“I love my little ‘touch-me-not’ pets,” Farra says. “I like to work with the pets people struggle to work with, the troubled pets, because I know that you can get to them.” She enjoys the challenge of dispelling patients’ fear. “We all come from trauma,” she adds. “Compassion bonds.”
Farra’s pets
Farra has a black cat named Lois, who was formerly her assigned enrichment cat from vet tech school (Vet tech students are assigned enrichment time to work with the program’s animals during the week.).
Farra’s Hobbies
Farra loves to go hiking and laughing with friends. If she goes out to shows with friends, she is always dancing. She loves being out in nature and has an interest in holistic healing, On the side, Farra is pursuing certification in photo biomodulation therapy and enjoys learning about natural therapeutics and nutraceuticals.
Originally posted as part of CARE’s celebration of National Veterinary Technician Week (Oct. 12-18, 2025).
CSR Profiles
Anna Encinias
sCSR for Neurology
Started
2016. “I started out working part-time as an ER CSR in the evenings, then transitioned to working full-time during the day. For the past three years, I have been the Specialty CSR for the Neurology department.”
Favorite part of the job
“The connection I make with my clients. Clients coming to our hospital and trusting us to take the very best care of their fur-baby is something that can be very scary. I take great pride in being able to assuage their fears and in being their go-to person for communication and comfort.”
Something she wishes people knew about her job
“CSRs don’t just answer phones and schedule appointments. We represent our clients, we advocate for them, and we are their cheerleaders. In veterinary medicine, it is everyone’s job to focus on patient care. Every phone call I have holds weight and has the potential to be a difficult discussion. The neurology doctors and team have provided me with a depth of knowledge that enables me to help not only our clients but also our patients, and I could not be more honored. This is a sliver of what I do in a day’s work!”
Her furry family
Chloe, 4, a black domestic shorthair cat, and Charlie, 3, a Golden Retriever. “She’s an angel, and he’s a hot mess!”
What people might be surprised to know
“I typically spend a few hours of a day out of my weekend focusing on a room in my house. I work in the room to get rid of items or things I don’t use anymore, reorganize shelves or cabinets, and build areas that make them functional. It’s like this fun game in my head where you balance both sides of your brain and have both creativity and satisfaction of order. My coworkers love how this translates into my work life. I am always coming up with ways to organize our space to make it more orderly and efficient.”
This is one of seven spotlights on some of CARE’s Client Services Representatives. » Read more CSR Profiles here
Videos
Neurologic conditions can change suddenly. When they do, immediate care is critical. Our advanced medical center for pets is open 24/7 to support cats and dogs with neurologic needs, including seizures, spinal injuries and brain disorders. With a dedicated team of board-certified veterinarians and highly-trained nursing staff around the clock, your pet is never without specialized attention—ensuring rapid response, continuous observation, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing help is always available, at any hour.
CARE at Night
Recent Neurology and Neurosurgery Blog Posts
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