Our pets can show us many signs of neurological disease, and it is a scary thing to witness. Fortunately, early recognition can save your dog’s (or cat’s) life. We understand these difficult conditions at All Creatures Veterinary Center, and we know that knowledge is key to recovering from them. Whether your pet is born with a condition, injured, or grows old and needs care, we are dedicated to giving them the unique treatment they deserve.
Common Neurological Conditions in Pets
A pet’s brain, spine, and nerves can be affected by neurological problems. At All Creatures Veterinary Center, we diagnose and treat many of these diseases, which include:
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): When the discs of the spine rupture or herniate, causing great pain and sometimes nerve damage or paralysis.
- Wobbler Syndrome & Degenerative Myelopathy: These result in a lack of coordination of the pet’s gait. Wobbler Syndrome is named after the neck vertebrae, and DM you will often spot in senior dogs as it slowly progresses.
- Seizures and Inflammation: Epilepsy is characterised by the abnormal activation of neurons in the brain, whereas Meningoencephalitis describes the inflammation of the brain tissues, often because of an infection or immune-related problems.
- Brain and Skull Issues: This covers Brain Tumours, Hydrocephalus (when fluid builds up on the brain), Chiari-like Malformation, a condition where part of the brain is crushed by the skull.
- Trauma and Balance: Trauma Evoking Injuries to the spinal cords from accidents need immediate attention, as does Vestibular Disease, which impacts a pet’s balance, causing the head to tilt or circle.
Surgical Treatments for Neurological Relief
When the flurry of medication and rest isn’t enough, surgery can generally restore a pet’s mobility and comfort. Some of the cutting-edge surgical procedures used at All Creatures Veterinary Center:
- Relieving Spinal Pressure: A Hemilaminectomy, Ventral Slot Surgery, or Dorsal Laminectomy is performed by removing small parts of the bone or disc material that relieve pressure from the spinal cord.
- Brain and Fluid Management: If your pet has a build-up of fluid or tumours, a Craniotomy is used for brain access; this helps enable drainage where needed through a CSF Shunt or Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt, freeing them from potentially life-threatening pressure.
- Stabilization and Decompression: Spinal Stabilization is implemented with implants to stabilize the spine after injury. We also provide Foramen Magnum Decompression in order to assist those pets with Chiari-like malformations.
- Tumor Removal: Surgical removal of tumours is done when feasible to enhance a pet’s lifestyle and relieve neurological signs.
Book an Appointment for a Consultation
If your pet is unsteady, weak, or showing behavioral changes, then a neurologic appointment is needed. Call All Creatures Veterinary Center today to make an appointment. We will evaluate your pet and decide if medical or spinal surgery management is the perfect choice for them. If you are ready to schedule your appointment, please call us at (661) 291-1124.
