 What is a Veterinary Neurologist?
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, slipped disks, spinal and head injuries, meningitis, and cancer of the nervous system. As in human medicine, veterinarians are increasingly specializing to provide the best care for your companion.
A neurology specialist has spent years of additional training after veterinary school and has completed a rigorous examination process before they are certified to specialize in neurology by an examining board such as the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) in the United States or the European College of Veterinary Neurology (ECVN) in Europe.
First they complete a 2-3 year long residency training program which must fulfill strict guidelines set by the ACVIM or ECVN. Following this training, the aspiring Neurologist must pass a series of examinations covering all aspects of general medicine and neurology.
A board certified neurologist is trained in the 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 nervous system, particularly the peripheral nerves and muscles. Spinal fluid analysis (spinal tap) provides them with clues to infectious diseases such as encephalitis or meningitis.
Your neurologist will also be able to provide the latest in treatment for your companion. Dr. Jay McDonnell has had advanced training in neurosurgery to provide the highest quality care to a pet with neurological disease.
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