Neurology

The neurology department at Summit Veterinary Referral Center specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders relating to the nervous system. This includes those conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscles. Common examples of neurological disease include (but are not limited to):

Seizures
Herniated disc disease
Tremors
Meningitis
Tumors affecting neurological structures (e.g. brain tumors)
Hydrocephalus
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Spinal instability and/or fractures
Myasthenia gravis

The veterinary neurologist is adept at performing a thorough and complex neurological examination to help in the identification of neurological disease. They are also extensively trained in many specialized procedures that complement the neurological examination, and further guide the diagnostic process. Examples of this testing include:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Computed tomography (CT)
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis
Electromyography (EMG)
Nerve conduction studies
Brain stem auditory response (BAER)
Muscle and nerve biopsies

Although veterinary neurology is a branch of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM), it also involves many technically challenging surgical procedures such as:

Hemilaminectomy
Ventral slot decompression surgery
Craniotomy/craniectomy
Spinal stabilization surgery

Our goal is to provide the best possible level of personal care to our patients and their families. Despite the complexity of the neurological system, we strive to help you understand your pet’s condition, as it is only through this understanding that informed decisions can then be made.