CARE’s board-certified neurologists focus on diseases that affect the brain, spinal cord and nerves. Some of the more common neurological disorders that our neurology and neurosurgery specialists treat include:
- Herniated disc(s)
- Epilepsy and other seizure disorders
- Stroke
- Traumatic spinal and/or head injury
- Hearing loss (BAER test)
- Vision loss
- Movement disorders (such as difficulty standing and walking)
Neurology and Neurosurgery Appointments
Our neurologists and registered veterinary technicians work closely with our patients’ family vets to review your pet’s medical history and previous diagnostic testing. When our neurologists examine your pet, the primary aim is to discover where in the nervous system your dog or cat has a problem.
Once we determine the location, we consider a list of possible causes. However, we often rely on advanced imaging (CT or MRI), to differentiate the possibilities.
Before we move to advanced imaging we discuss options with our clients to determine next steps.
Advanced Imaging
CARE offers on-site CT and MRI scanning that enable us to get your pet scheduled for advanced diagnostics rapidly. Further, CARE has a state-of-the-art 3D surgical exoscope, which allows for superior visualization during delicate neurosurgery. We are one of a few private veterinary practices with this technology.
Treatment
At CARE, we emphasize the importance of discussing your pet’s treatment options along with medical management options for your pet. We have a dedicated, fully equipped neurosurgical suite should your pet require surgery. CARE’s overall goal is to treat our patients in the most effective and efficient way. We want to get them home as quickly as we can while experiencing the best long-term results.
Once your pet has returned home, we continue to provide personalized care and work cooperatively with your family veterinarian to ensure the best possible long-term outcome for your pet.
How to Schedule An Appointment
To schedule an appointment with our Neurology and Neurosurgery department, ask for a referral from your primary veterinarian. If your pet is unable to walk or seems to be in an emergency state, please call (704) 457-2300 to let us know you are bringing him or her in through our Emergency Service. We are open 24/7/365 for emergency care.
Hospital Admit Guide
If your pet is admitted for hospitalization at CARE, please review our Hospital Admit Guide to help answer questions about your pet’s stay.
Our Neurology & Neurosurgery Doctors
Our Neurology & Neurosurgery Residents
The CARE Neurology and Neurosurgery Service has partnered with the University of Missouri in the advanced training of neurology residents. Neurology residents are doctors who have completed a rotating internship and often a neurology-focused internship following veterinary school. These doctors spend four months in each year of their three-year residency with CARE’s two board-certified neurologists.
Recent Neurology & Neurosurgery Blog Posts
Taking Care of Your Dog or Cat with Epilepsy
While epilepsy is an uncommon disease in our pets, fewer than 1 in 100 develop the condition, it is the most common neurologic condition we treat. Just like their human counterparts, pets with epilepsy can lead full, enjoyable lives. The term epilepsy applies to pets...
Spinal Fluid Analysis
The “Blood Brain Barrier” separates the brain and the spinal cord from the rest of the body. This protects the brain from toxins and infections. For example, when you get the flu – or eat a bad oyster – you suffer from general body illness but your brain remains...
Vestibular Disease in Dogs and Cats
The vestibular system, also known as “the balance center,” is the part of our nervous system that enables us to stay upright relative to gravity and movement. If a dog has a problem associated with his or her balance, we often refer to this as “vestibular disease.”...
BAER Test: A Method Of Measuring Hearing Loss in Dogs
To test hearing in animals, owners and veterinarians can test a patient’s response to high-pitched noises, such as whistling, or loud noises, such as clapping hands or banging an object. Though simple, this is the most practical way to know if an animal can hear....
How To Video Your Pet For A Neurological Consultation
Of all the technologies that have emerged in recent years, the smart phone may be the most powerful tool in veterinary neurology. Yes, smart phones have been more impactful than MRI, CT scans, 3D Operational Exoscopes and Electrodiagnostic Machines. The ever-present...
CT or MRI To Diagnose Nervous System Problems
While examining a dog or cat for a neurological problem, a neurologist’s primary aim is to pinpoint where exactly the problem is located in the nervous system. We do not start with a CT or MRI. Instead, we begin by asking our patients a series of questions. For...
