Neurology

Neurosurgery

Our neurosurgeons are experienced in surgically managing diseases and injuries of the nervous system, including acute spinal cord injury, spinal fractures and luxations, congenital defects, and brain tumors. With conditions that affect the spinal cord, immediate intervention is often essential for faster pain relief and shorter recovery times. A surgeon at VRC is available 24/7 to perform advanced imaging of the spinal column for diagnosis and emergency surgery if needed.

Intervertebral Disc Rupture

Intervertebral disc rupture, one of the more common neurologic conditions seen in pets (especially dogs), is an example of one that may require emergency surgery to decompress the spinal cord, and we are always available to provide this service should the need arise. Once your pet has recovered from neurosurgery, our on-site physical rehabilitation services can help restore mobility and health.

Other neurosurgical procedures that we offer include:

Atlantoaxial stabilization: Atlantoaxial instability is typically diagnosed in very young toy and small breed dogs and is most often caused by a congenital malformation.

Brain tumor biopsy and removal: We can remove most or all of a brain tumor or cancerous tissue to help improve longevity and quality of life in some patients with brain cancer.

Muscle and nerve biopsy: We can perform and evaluate tissue samples to aid in the diagnosis of various neuromuscular diseases.

Spinal fracture stabilization: After a traumatic spinal injury, we can help restore and preserve mobility through surgical intervention and proper rehabilitative aftercare.

Advanced imaging of the nervous system, particularly with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), is often required for accurate diagnosis in patients with a neurologic dysfunction as well as other specialized tests like spinal fluid analysis and muscle or nerve biopsies, most of which can be performed on-site. We always work closely with you and your family veterinarian to determine a treatment plan that’s right for your pet’s unique needs.

We also offer physical rehabilitation options, which are often extremely beneficial as a standalone therapy or in conjunction with surgical or medicinal intervention in medical neurology cases.

Medical Neurology

Our board-certified veterinary neurologist is available to diagnose and treat a variety of nervous system-related diseases and injuries in dogs and cats, including seizure disorders, non-infectious inflammatory nervous system diseases, brain cancers, movement disorders, and neuromuscular diseases, among others.

When your pet is evaluated by a neurologist at VRC, a series of non-invasive and painless initial tests will be performed to determine which part of the nervous system is affected and to what degree. Once this is established, recommendations for a more precise diagnostic and treatment plan can be determined and discussed with you.

Our Neurologist

Suzanne Rosen

VMD, DACVIM (Neurology)