Neurology
From AllCareAnimal
Contents |
[edit] Services
- A thorough neurological examination
- Brain and spinal cord imaging, including MR, ultrasound, and radiography, including myelography
- Spinal fluid tap and analysis
- Intensive care
- Electrophysiological examination of nerves and muscles
- Neurosurgery
[edit] HEALTH ISSUES WE ADDRESS
Neurology involves diseases of the nervous system: the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. Some of the neurological diseases we specialize in treating include:
- Pain in the spine, back, neck, or head
- Limb paralysis or weakness
- Balance and coordination problems
- Bladder and bowel function problems
- Epilepsy
- Herniated disks
- Congenital deafness
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Meningitis
- Viral infection (canine distemper, feline leukemia, rabies)
- Tick-borne infection, traumatic brain or spinal cord injury
- Cancers of the nervous system
[edit] ADDITIONAL THERAPIES
In addition to surgery or medical management, the veterinary neurologist may also recommend alternative or adjunct therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic, or physical rehabilitation.
[edit] VETERINARY NEUROLOGY
Typically, board certified veterinary neurologists have:
- Obtained a traditional veterinary medical degree.
- Completed a one-year internship and an additional two to three years of advanced training, including a residency where the doctor will have trained with experts in the field.
- Passed a series of examinations covering all aspects of general internal medicine and neurology.
Many veterinary neurologists are also trained in neurosurgery and have extensive knowledge of neuroanatomy and neurobiology.
[edit] DIAGNOSTIC & TREATMENT METHODS
Neurologists depend on advanced imaging such as CT or MPJ scans to look at the structures of the nervous system. However, they rely most on their experience and training to conduct a thorough neurological exam. During an exam, the neurologist reviews the patient's health history with special attention to the current condition. Depending upon the patient's condition, the exam typically tests vision, strength, coordination, reflexes, sensation, movement, and posture. This information helps the neurologist isolate the problem to the nervous system.
[edit] What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy (seizure disorder) is a condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked epileptic seizures. In dogs it is often an inherited condition, more prevalent in breeds such as Beagles, Dachshunds, and German Shepherds. In most cases it is a very treatable condition.
[edit] When is neurosurgery necessary?
Neurosurgery is often necessary in cases of brain or spinal cord cancer or trauma resulting in neck or back injuries, such as ruptured disks or fractures of the spine. Whenever there is a sudden or complete loss of function of the limbs. Surgery should also be considered whenever there is progressive deterioration of the movement of the limbs, even it it occurs over a period of days or weeks.
