Are There Veterinary Neurologists? When To See One (Vet Answer)

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WRITTEN BY

Dr. Marta Vidal-Abarca

Veterinarian, BVSc GPCert (Ophthal) MRCVS

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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Veterinary neurology is a field of veterinary medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of nervous system disorders in animals. A veterinary neurologist is a veterinarian specializing in neurology, so yes – they exist.

The nervous system in animals is divided into central and peripheral. The central nervous system (CNS) includes the brain and the spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes the peripheral nerves that come from the brain or spinal cord; it controls body functions, movements, posture, and reflexes. The peripheral nervous system consists of two systems: the autonomic nervous system, for which you have no conscious control, such as that on organs like the intestines, heart, blood vessels, and urinary bladder; and the somatic nervous system, the voluntary system that is under conscious control.

Many neurological conditions manifest as a change in behavior. Therefore, if you notice behavioral changes in your pet, especially if they are sudden or extreme, you may need to visit a veterinary neurologist.

In this article, you will learn the main objectives of neurological examinations in pets, the most common neurological conditions in dogs and cats, and the neurological problems that can cause behavioral changes in pets.

What Are the Main Objectives of Neurological Examinations in Pets?

Usually, neurological cases are often difficult for the average veterinary clinician, so referral to a neurological specialist is essential to establish a correct diagnosis. Here are the main objectives of the neurological examination of pets:

What Are the Most Common Neurological Conditions in Dogs and Cats?

Here are some of the most common neurological conditions in dogs and cats.

1. Epilepsy

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions found in dogs. In pets, epilepsy manifests as sudden, repetitive, uncontrolled seizures. The causes of epilepsy are varied and include:

2. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

Intervertebral disc pathologies are among the most common diseases of the spinal cord in pets, especially dogs. Clinical signs of IVDD include:

Breeds such as Bulldogs Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, and Pekingese are more prone to this condition.

3. Encephalitis

Encephalitis is a neurological disease characterized by inflammation of the brain tissue. When the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (meninges) are also inflamed, the condition is called meningoencephalitis. It can happen both in dogs and cats. The clinical signs of this condition are represented by:

4. Head or Spinal Trauma

Spinal and cranial traumas represent medical emergencies, with varied clinical signs corresponding to the affected segment. The clinical signs can include:

5. Meningitis

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Clinical signs of meningitis in pets include:

Meningitis can be infectious—caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, or protozoa—or non-infectious—caused by an immune-mediated inflammatory response (when the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues), toxicity, or unknown causes.

6. Peripheral Nerve Diseases (Peripheral Neuropathy)

Peripheral neuropathy refers to neurological conditions that affect the peripheral nervous system, the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. The causes are varied and include:

What Neurological Problems Can Cause Behavioral Changes in Your Dog?

Any disease that creates a feeling of malaise in your pet has the potential to cause a change in their behavior. However, some neurological diseases can alter your dog’s behavior and personality to a point where your dog may appear aggressive, fearful, have cognitive dysfunction, or sleep-wake cycle disturbances. Certain neurological disorders, like encephalitis, brain tumors, epilepsy, and ischemic attacks, can cause behavioral changes, for example. You understand your pet best and will know whether a behavior of theirs is unusual or not.

Finding the cause, an accurate diagnosis, optimal treatment, and proper care are essential to your pet’s recovery.

Conclusion

To diagnose and treat neurological diseases in dogs and cats, it is recommended to take them to a veterinary neurologist. Most neurological disorders are difficult to diagnose by general practitioners. Common neurological diseases in dogs and cats include intervertebral disc disease, spinal and cranial trauma, epilepsy, encephalitis, and meningitis. Take your pet to the vet if they change their behavior or exhibit certain clinical signs that may indicate a neurological disease.

See also:

• Ehrlichiosis in Dogs
• Distemper in Dogs

Featured Image Credit: Tatyana Vyc, Shutterstock