Learning that your pet may have a neurologic condition can feel overwhelming, especially when you aren't sure what comes next. Seizures, difficulty walking, weakness, or balance problems are frightening to witness, and it's natural to have questions about diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. At Lenity Vet Specialists + Emergency Care, our neurology team is here to guide you through every step of your pet's care. To help you feel more prepared, we've answered some of the most common questions pet owners ask about veterinary neurology.
If you're looking for a veterinary neurologist in San Mateo, CA, we'd love to help your pet, so please call us at (650) 547-0730.
What training does a veterinary neurologist have?
A board-certified veterinary neurologist is a veterinarian who has completed advanced training in neurology and neurosurgery beyond veterinary school. This typically includes a one-year internship, a three-year neurology residency, completion of a research project, and successful completion of rigorous specialty board examinations.
How do I know if my pet needs to see a neurologist?
Your primary veterinarian may recommend a neurologic consultation if your pet is experiencing seizures, difficulty walking, weakness, paralysis, balance problems, abnormal behavior, spinal pain, or other concerning neurologic signs.
Referrals are not required to be seen by our neurology team.
What conditions do veterinary neurologists treat?
Neurologists diagnose and treat conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles.
Common conditions that neurologists treat include:
- Seizures and epilepsy
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
- Vestibular disease
- Encephalitis and meningitis
- Paralysis and weakness
- Neuromuscular diseases
- Spinal trauma
- Brain and spinal tumors
- Congenital neurologic conditions
- And more
What can I expect during my pet's neurology appointment?
Your appointment will begin with a detailed history and comprehensive neurologic examination.
Your neurologist will discuss the findings with you, explain the most likely causes, and recommend next steps. This may include additional diagnostics, medical treatment, monitoring, or referral for advanced care.
We believe in keeping you involved in every step of your pet's care and will take the time to explain your options.
What tests might my pet need?
Every patient is different. Your neurologist will recommend diagnostics based on your pet's history and neurologic examination.
Depending on the condition, testing may include:
- Bloodwork
- Radiographs (X-rays)
- CT
- MRI
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis
- Electrodiagnostic testing, including EMG and nerve conduction studies
- BAER testing
Does my pet need an MRI?
Not necessarily. MRI is an important tool for diagnosing many brain and spinal cord conditions, but it is not appropriate or necessary for every patient.
Your neurologist will discuss whether advanced imaging is recommended based on your pet's examination, suspected diagnosis, and treatment options.
What neurosurgical procedures are performed?
Depending on the diagnosis, neurosurgical procedures may include:
- Hemilaminectomy
- Ventral slot
- Dorsal laminectomy
- Spinal stabilization
- And more
What happens if my pet needs surgery?
If surgery is recommended, your neurologist will discuss the procedure, expected benefits, potential risks, prognosis, and alternatives with you before proceeding.
Your pet will receive dedicated monitoring and individualized pain management throughout their hospitalization.
Our team will keep you updated on your pet's progress and communicate with your primary veterinarian as appropriate.
Before discharge, our team will review your pet's home-care instructions, medications, activity restrictions, and follow-up recommendations with you.
Can neurologic patients benefit from rehabilitation?
Yes! Rehabilitation can be an important part of recovery for many neurologic patients.
Rehabilitation may help patients regain strength, coordination, mobility, and function following conditions such as IVDD, spinal surgery, spinal cord injury, or other neurologic disease.
Your neurologist can discuss whether rehabilitation may be appropriate for your pet.
How much does a neurologic consultation or MRI cost?
There is no one-size-fits-all estimate for neurologic care. Costs vary depending on your pet's condition, the diagnostics needed, and whether hospitalization or treatment is required.
Your neurologist will discuss recommended diagnostics and treatment options with you and provide an itemized estimate before proceeding.
We understand that veterinary care can involve difficult decisions, and our team will work with you to develop a plan that fits your pet's medical needs and your family's goals.
If you live in or near San Mateo, CA, and your pet is showing neurologic signs, come visit us at Lenity Vet Specialists + Emergency Care. Contact us at (650) 547-0730 to set an appointment, or email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you! Don't forget to follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram