Does your dog experience seizures? Do they have a degenerative spinal disease? Are they acting strangely and you can’t figure out the cause? A dog neurologist or veterinary neurologist may help diagnose and treat your dog’s condition.
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Related: What Is IVDD In Dogs And Could My Dog Get It?, Degenerative Myelopathy Testing For Your Dog, Hydrotherapy For Dogs: What Is It And Can It Help My Dog?
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be informative and should not be taken as medical advice. Talk to your veterinarian regarding any health concerns you may have for your dog.
What Is A Veterinary Neurologist?
A veterinary neurologist is a veterinarian who specializes in the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles of animals. A dog neurologist specializes in treating neurological diseases in dogs.
They need to complete specialized courses and testing in order to specialize in this field.
What Does A Veterinary Neurologist Do?
A dog neurologist can perform tests on your dog to determine what neurological condition your dog may have. They may complete:
- A physical exam.
- An MRI ( magnetic resonance imaging). An MRI can help a veterinary neurologist look at your dog’s soft tissue and can also help determine if there are any tumors, or any disorders of the brain or spinal cord.
- A CT (computed tomography) scan. A CT scan can help your veterinarian assess blood vessels, the spinal column, and any cancer that may be present.
- Spinal Tap. This helps to analyze your dog’s spinal fluid for signs of infection.
- Biopsies.
What Are Examples Of Disorders Dog Neurologists Treat?
Veterinary neurologists can treat a variety of neurological disorders. Some of these may include:
- Epilepsy.
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).
- Degenerative Myelopathy.
- Dementia.
- Brain Tumors.
- Encephalitis.
- Meningitis.
What Are Signs Of Neurological Disorders In Dogs?
It is always scary when our dogs start to exhibit signs that something may be wrong. Signs of neurological disorders in dogs can include:
- Loss of balance.
- Seizures.
- Weakness in the hind legs.
- Difficulty standing up from a laying down position.
- Change in behavior.
- Spinal pain.
Why Should I Take My Dog To A Neurologist?
Dogs that are exhibiting signs of neurological issues may want to see a veterinary neurologist.
When you first notice signs that something may be wrong with your pup, you should first see your veterinarian. They will do their own assessment and determine if your dog needs to see a neurologist.
Once your dog sees a neurologist, they will perform their own assessment on your dog. Veterinary neurologists are able to perform tests your veterinarian is not able to do (MRI and CT scan) and they are also able to do surgeries if necessary.
A dog neurologist will work together with your veterinarian to determine the correct treatment plan for your pup, depending on their findings.
How Do Vets Test For Neurological Disorders?
As mentioned above, a dog neurologist will do a physical exam and possibly order an MRI, CT scan, biopsy, or spinal tap to test for various diseases that may be present in your dog.
In order to perform some of these tests, your dog may have to be put under anesthesia. This is something to discuss with your veterinarian.
Can Neurological Problems Be Cured In Dogs?
Most neurological conditions in dogs cannot be cured, however they can be treated.
Dogs can live happy lives with a neurological disorder and, depending on their condition, can be treated with:
- Medication.
- Physical Therapy.
- Maintaining An Active Lifestyle.
- Surgery.
- Acupuncture.
What Age Do Dogs Get Neurological Disorders?
Dogs can develop a neurological disorder anytime during their lifetime.
There is no particular age that neurological problems start, however, some conditions such as dementia, are more likely to develop later in life.
What Infections In Dogs Can Cause Neurological Problems?
Some infections can cause neurological symptoms in dogs. Among them from:
- Parasites (roundworms, tapeworms, heartworms, hookworms).
- Bacteria.
- Viruses.
These can cause symptoms of encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), meningitis (inflammation of the spinal cord and brain membranes), and seizures.
When Should A Dog See A Neurologist?
A dog should see a neurologist if your veterinarian suspects your dog has a neurological condition and may need specialized treatment.
What Can You Do For A Dog With Neurological Problems?
If your dog has neurological problems, their condition can be managed through medication, physical therapy, and acupuncture.
The best thing you can do for your dog is to love them and keep them active for as long as possible.
How Do I Find A Dog Neurologist?
If you are looking for a veterinary neurologist to evaluate your pup, Vetspecialists.com offers a searchable database that you can use to locate one in your area.
Your veterinarian can also recommend one for you.
The last thing anyone wants is for their dog to be sick with any malady. A dog neurologist can help diagnose your dog with a potential neurological disorder and can come up with a treatment plan that best suits your dog’s needs.
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