Neurology

Neurology is the branch of medicine that treats diseases of the nervous system: the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. This encompasses such common problems as epilepsy, herniated disks, spinal and head injuries, meningitis, and cancers of the nervous system. A board certified veterinary neurologist is a licensed veterinarian who has obtained additional intensive training in veterinary neurology and has been certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

While your general practitioner can diagnose and treat many health problems, certain diseases and conditions require the care of a doctor who has had specialized, intensive training in neurology in order to provide the very best outcome for your pet. VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital is pleased to offer this clinical service, as there are fewer than 100 board certified veterinary neurologists in the country. Veterinary neurologists complete a one-year internship, two to three years of advanced training including a residency, and pass a series of rigorous examinations in internal medicine and neurology.

Signs of Neurologic Disease

• Behavior changes
• Altered consciousness
• Seizures
• Paralysis
• Neck or back pain
• Weakness
• Imbalance or lack of coordination
• Gait or stance abnormalities
• Loss of sensory function
• Confusion
• Head tilt
• Tremors
• Incontinence

Tools for Neurologists

• Myelogram
• Cerebral spinal fluid tap
• Electromyography
• MRI and CT, both on-site at VCA Alameda East

Our veterinary neurologist works as a team with our radiologists, surgeons, internal medicine specialists, and of course, your regular family veterinarian.