Does my pet have a neurological issue?

Pets of any age or breed can be struck by a neurological issue, so it's important for pet parents to know the signs and what to do. Today, we discuss signs that your pet could be suffering from a neurological issue.

What are neurological issues?

Neurology is a specialized area of veterinary medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the central nervous system of pets. Neurological issues are conditions and diseases that block or negatively affect the ability of your pet's central nervous system to communicate properly with various parts of their body.

Your pet's central nervous system includes their spinal cord and 3 sections within the brain:

• The brain stem that controls many basic life functions.
• The cerebrum that is in command of decision-making.
• The cerebellum that helps to coordinate your pet's movement and motor control.

What are the signs of neurological problems?

Because your pet's central nervous system controls basic life functions, decision making and coordinated movement, the signs of neurological issues vary depending on which part of the central nervous system is affected. That said, some of the most common signs of neurological problems in pets include:

• Unusual or jerky eye movements
• Abnormal gait
• Weakness or paralysis
• Foot dragging or knuckling of paws
• Pain along the spine, neck or back
• Head tilt or leaning
• Seizures of different kinds
• Loss of balance
• Scratching at the air without making contact with their body
• Cognitive or behavioral changes
• Confusion
• Disorientation such as staring into space or getting stuck in corners

What neurological conditions are seen in cats and dogs?

Much like their humans, cats and dogs can suffer from a wide variety of neurological conditions. Some of the most common conditions seen by our team of neurology professionals at Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island include:

• Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
• Canine Degenerative Myelopathy
• Stroke
• Meningitis
• Encephalitis
• Epilepsy (seizures)
• Cancer
• Degenerative disorders
• Spinal or brain trauma
• Peripheral nerve diseases

How can a neurology specialist help?

Board-certified veterinary neurologists receive years of extra education and testing in this specialized field. As such, they possess a more detailed understanding of conditions relating to your pet's central nervous system and are able to perform more advanced testing and provide treatments not typically found in standard veterinary clinics.

Advanced neurology services may include:

• A detailed consultation regarding the brain, spinal cord and neuromuscular issues that your pet is experiencing, such as intervertebral disc disease and other causes of weakness or paralysis, seizure management, encephalitis, tumors, and disorders of hearing or balance
• Advanced Imaging
• Cerebrospinal fluid collection and analysis
• Electrodiagnostic evaluations including electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction velocity (NCV), electroencephalography (EEG) and brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER)
• Neurosurgery including hemilaminectomy, ventral slot procedure, craniotomy, stereotactic-guided brain biopsy, ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement, stabilization and fusion procedures, fracture repair, nerve and muscle biopsies
• Ultrasound-guided surgery and other procedures

Veterinary Neurology Services on Long Island

At Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island our neurology team has the experience and training to diagnose and treat pets with complex neurological issues. Our team of neurology specialists and neurological surgeons can provide care not found in standard veterinary hospitals, so your pet has the best chance of going on to live a full and happy life. 

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.