Neurology & Neurosurgery

William J. Kay, DVM, DACVIM, DABVP

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, meningitis, cancer of the nervous system, intervertebral disc disease and cerebellar ataxia.

A board certified neurologist is trained in state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques. They will utilize advanced imaging such as CT or MRI scans to look at the structure of the nervous system. With electrodiagnostic tests, a neurologist can examine the function of the nervous system, particularly the peripheral nerves and muscles. Spinal fluid analysis provides them with clues to infectious diseases and/or inflammatory such as encephalitis or meningitis.

Your neurologist will also be able to provide the latest in treatment for your companion. Most veterinary neurologists are also trained in neurosurgery. Some limit their practice to the medical aspects of neurology and work with a general surgeon on cases requiring surgery. Either way, they are trained to provide the highest quality care to a pet with neurological disease.