The Neurology service is a referral-only service. Once your primary veterinarian refers you to us, we will call you to schedule your appointment. Owners may also call to schedule an appointment once they know their primary veterinarian has sent their referral. This policy ensures that the patient is referred to the most appropriate service within the hospital.
Some neurological diseases require immediate attention. Examples include:
- Paralysis due to spinal cord injury
- Uncontrolled seizures
- Abrupt onsent changes in mental attitude
If you believe your animal is having a neurologic emergency, please contact the Small Animal Hospital immediately. Emergency cases do not require referrals.
For your initial appointment, please allow 3 to 5 hours as there is often a lot of waiting for tests to be performed, and results to be made available.
You will be met by a 4th year veterinary student in the exam room to get a thorough medical history and review your pet’s medical record. A physical examination will then be performed on your pet, followed by a neurological examination. A neurology clinician will speak with you afterward to review the examination findings and make recommendations on any other specific tests that may be needed.
Veterinary neurology specialists must meet and maintain strict training requirements. They are certified by the ACVIM (American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine). In order to become a neurology specialist, a veterinarian must:
- Complete a one-year internship (or equivalent training)
- Complete a residency training program
- Fulfill the prescribed credentials requirements
- Pass the general Internal Medicine examination and the Neurology certifying examination.
