804.206.9122
At Partner Veterinary, our Neurology Service is more than just a team—it’s a dedicated community of professionals passionate about understanding and treating disorders of the nervous system in dogs and cats. We are proud to offer advanced neurological care with a deeply compassionate touch.
Our board-certified veterinary neurologist works alongside highly skilled and devoted support staff who are trained specifically in the care of neurologic patients. From the moment you walk through our doors, our entire team is committed to guiding you and your pet through every step of the diagnostic and treatment process.
Our Neurology team also plays an essential role in supporting the Partner ER, critical care, and internal medicine teams. Neurologic emergencies—like sudden paralysis, seizures, or head trauma—require fast, expert attention. We work closely with our colleagues to ensure rapid assessments, timely interventions, and ongoing collaborative care for our most fragile patients. Together, we help create a seamless experience and stronger outcomes for pets who need urgent or intensive neurologic support.
Most importantly, we know how scary it can be when your pet is facing a neurologic illness. That’s why we center everything we do around trust, transparency, and empathy—treating your pet like one of our own and supporting you like family.
Providing Treatment for Neurological Diseases Including:
- Atlantoaxial luxation
- Brain and spinal tumors
- Chiari malformation/Syringomyelia
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- Discospondylitis
- Encephalitis
- Fibrocartilagenous embolism (FCE)
- Head trauma
- Hydrocephalus
- Intervertebral disc herniation (“slipped disc”)
- Meningitis
- Neuropathic pain management
- Seizures
- Stroke
- Urinary/fecal incontinence
- Vestibular disease
- Wobbler’s Disease
Medical Neurology
- Brain tumor diagnosis and treatment options
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection and analysis
- Computerized tomographic (CT) scans and evaluations
- Epilepsy and seizure disorder testing, treatment, and monitoring
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans
- Meningitis diagnosis and treatment
- Movement and balance disorder treatment including vestibular disease
- Neurologic examination
- Syringomyelia/craniocervical junction abnormality testing and treatment
Neurosurgery
- Brain tumor/spinal tumor removal, biopsy
- Cervical spinal decompression for stenosis in giant breed dogs
- Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) surgery (hemilaminectomy, dorsal laminectomy, ventral slot surgery)
- Muscle and nerve biopsies
- Skull fracture repairs
For Pet Parents
How do I make an appointment?
To make an appointment with the neurology service call the hospital at #804- or email the neurology service at [email protected]. Be ready to provide you and your pet’s medical information. The hospital staff will provide you with the available appointment slots and any pre-appointment instructions. Be sure to arrive at least 5-10 minutes before your appointment starts, any appointment later than 10-15 minutes may be at risk for rescheduling.
Partner Neurology also allows referring veterinarians to submit appointment requests directly via our website.
Do I need referral to see a veterinary neurologist?
A referral is often used to ensure the pet is seen through the appropriate specialty at any given time. While Partner neurology does not require one, a referral is still helpful for staff because it provides us with information that we can use to streamline appointment scheduling and care.
How to prepare for your appointment.
To make the most of your visit and ensure a smooth experience, here are a few important things to know and prepare ahead of time:
No food or water after midnight unless otherwise directed. For further guidance, call or email our office to determine the best steps to ensure a smooth (and safe) visit with us. Please still administer any anticonvulsant and cardiac medications in a small meatball.
Send us any videos of any abnormal events. We understand that the time during these events may be stressful and upsetting for both you and your pet. If your pet has experienced any unusual episodes—such as seizures, stumbling, shaking, or behavior changes—video recordings can be incredibly helpful. Even short clips can offer valuable clues and help us better understand what’s happening.
Tracking seizure or symptom frequency. If your pet is having seizures, abnormal episodes, difficulty walking, or other recurring signs, keeping a log of these events occur can be extremely useful. Notes on duration, recovery time, and any patterns you’ve noticed can help guide diagnosis and treatment.
Ensure records are sent in advance. Please confirm that your primary veterinarian has sent us all relevant medical records, including exam notes, lab results, imaging, and medications. Having this information ahead of time helps us prepare for your visit.
What tests are used to diagnose neurologic conditions?
Diagnosing neurologic diseases often requires a detailed process, since the brain, spinal cord, and nerves are complex and well protected inside the body. Our board-certified veterinary neurologist will use a combination of tools to find the cause.
The first step is the most important step – our neurologists will assess your pet’s neurologic status by assessing their mental status, reflexes, coordination, balance, muscle tone, and more. This exam helps localize where the problem is—such as the brain, spinal cord, or nerves—and guides which tests are needed next.
Once our neurologists determine where the problem is occurring, we begin to narrow down the next steps, and the best tool to utilize. MRI is the gold standard for looking at the nervous system, but we also can determine bloodwork, infectious disease testing, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, genetic testing, and other advanced diagnostics will be needed following our neurologist’s physical exam.
Will my pet need an MRI?
Whether or not your pet needs an MRI is heavily dependent on our specialist’s physical exam and work up. After meeting with our neurologist, we can facilitate an MRI often the same day of your appointment. If your pet has any neurological symptoms, such as seizures, difficulty walking, or unexplained pain, your veterinarian may recommend advanced imaging to further investigate the cause. Our team will help determine the best option for your pet’s condition. If you have questions, we’re happy to help!
The type of imaging depends on what symptoms your pet is experiencing.
What are the differences between MRI, CT, and radiographs.
MRI (DROP DOWN) uses a magnetic field (no radiation) to create detailed images and works best for diagnosing brain tumors, strokes, or disc herniations. An MRI is best for viewing the brain and spinal cord and requires general anesthesia to keep the patients very still.
A CT SCAN (Computed tomography) (DROP DOWN) uses x-ray to create a 3D image and is best for bones, soft tissue injuries or diseases, and certain tumors. A CT scan can be performed under twilight sedation or full anesthesia. Unlike MRI, CT does use radiation, but at a very safe level.
An X-RAY (Radiographs) (DROP DOWN) uses radiation to create a quick 2D image that is useful for fractures, arthritis, and chest or abdominal diseases. While X-ray is quick and often the least expensive option, it is not detailed enough for the brain and most spinal cord problems.
How does a veterinary neurologist obtain cerebral spinal fluid and what is a spinal tap?
For some neurological symptoms, a spinal tap (also called CSF tap) may be performed in conjunction with other advanced imaging (MRI) to help diagnose (and exclude) certain conditions. Cerebrospinal fluid is a clear, protective fluid which covers the brain and spinal cord that can show signs of inflammation, infection, or other neurologic diseases. By analyzing this fluid, we can gain important clues about what may be causing your pet’s symptoms, such as seizures, difficulty walking, or behavior changes.
For Veterinarians
Referral process
We take both veterinarian and client (self) referrals, but always emphasize a team approach to keep you – our primary care community – front and center of what is occurring with your clients and patients.
Our team kindly requests of all referrals that a few key pieces of information be provided for scheduling, and that any medical records be available for review prior to confirming the appointment.
This helps to ensure that we can offer as much as possible to the family the day of their initial visit, from diagnostics to starting treatment when appropriate.
We currently are able to see patients quickly, typically same week of referral or the following pending needs of the patient and family. Our online referral form can be found here:
Veterinarian Referral Form
Ways to reach us!
Call: 804.206.9122
Email: [email protected]
How can we best serve you?
We are always looking for ways to better serve our referring veterinary community, so suggestions are always welcome! We would appreciate feedback as well on the following items:
1) If you have referred a patient to our service already, were you able to utilize the Shareville portal link that you received for record review? If not, do you require assistance to ensure your access is set up correctly?
2) Are there specific items that you would like to see included in our records? (For example, treatment cost estimates)
3) Are there certain topics that you are interested in for upcoming CE events?
NeurologIC Conditions and Treatments
Acute Non-compressive Nucleus Pulposus Extrusion (ANNPE)
What is Acute Non-compressive Nucleus Pulposus Extrusion (ANNPE)?
The intervertebral discs are located between the bones of the spine (the vertebrae). The intervertebral disc is composed of a fibrous ring or capsule which surrounds a jellylike substance called the nucleus pulposus. A tear in the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc can allow the nucleus pulposus to herniate, sometimes at a very high speed. This highspeed herniation can cause a concussive or bruising injury to the spinal cord. Since the nucleus pulposus is jelly-like and absorbable in the epidural fat, it does not cause compression of the spinal cord. Ultimately, the neurologic signs seen after an ANNPE are due to the high velocity “hit” to the spinal cord with the nucleus pulposus. This is called an Acute Non-compressive Nucleus Pulposus Extrusion (ANNPE).
Brain Tumors
Who Can Be Affected?
Both dogs and cats can be affected by brain tumors. Primary brain tumors, originating from the brain tissues themselves, are encountered more often than secondary or metastatic brain tumor(s). Primary and secondary brain tumors can occur in any breed of dog or cat and both males and females can be affected. Brain tumors are encountered more often in middle-aged to older dogs and cats, most being over 9 years old at the time of diagnosis.
Intervertebral Disk Disease
What is Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD)?
Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD) is a common spinal issue in dogs, less so in cats. It can occur anywhere along the spine but is most common in the neck (cervical spine) and mid-back (thoracolumbar region). While disk degeneration itself isn’t always problematic, issues arise when disk material compresses the spinal cord or nerve roots, leading to pain and potential mobility problems.
Diskospondylitis
What is Diskospondylitis?
The intervertebral discs are located between the bones of the spine (the vertebrae). Diskospondylitis is an infection of the intervertebral disc and the portions of the vertebrae adjacent to the infected intervertebral disc. Diskospondylitis causes painful damage / lysis to the vertebral bodies. It can lead to degeneration of the infected intervertebral disc, which can cause the intervertebral disc to herniate and put pressure on the spinal cord.
Diskospondylitis can also weaken the bones surrounding the intervertebral disc, which can sometimes cause the bone to fracture.
Fibrocartilaginous Embolism (FCE)
What is Fibrocartilaginous Embolism (FCE)?
The intervertebral discs are located between the bones of the spine (the vertebrae), and these intervertebral discs contain a substance called fibrocartilage. A small piece of this fibrocartilage can exit the intervertebral disc and make its way into the blood vessels that supply the spinal cord. This piece of fibrocartilage can then block the normal blood flow to an area of the spinal cord, which means that oxygen and other nutrients cannot reach that part of the spinal cord. This ultimately leads to damage to the cells of the spinal cord. This is called a Fibrocartilaginous Embolism (v), and you can think of it as a “stroke” to the spinal cord.
Masticatory Muscle Myositis (MMM)
What is Masticatory Muscle Myositis (MMM)?
Masticatory myositis (MMM) is inflammation of the muscles of mastication = the chewing muscles (temporalis, masseter, and pterygoid muscles). It occurs primarily in dogs with rare cases reported in cats. Masticatory muscle fibers contain unique myosin fibers, designated as 2M fibers. The inciting cause of the disease is not known but is thought to result from the body’s immune system behaving erratically and attacking these special Type 2M fibers (a type of autoimmune disorder).
Meningoencephalomyelitis of Unknown Etiology (MUE)
What is Meningoencephalomyelitis of Unknown Etiology (MUE)?
MUE is a presumptive immune-mediated disease, which results in inflammation within the brain or spinal cord. Inflammation within the brain is called encephalitis; inflammation within the spinal cord is called myelitis; inflammation within the lining of the spinal cord and the brain is called meningitis. The most common form of MUE is granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis (GME) hence these terms being used interchangeably in this review.
Myasthenia Gravis
What is Myasthenia Gravis?
In order for muscles to move normally, they require energy and information from the nerves in the body. Nerves secrete chemicals called neurotransmitters. The main neurotransmitter that provides energy to muscles is called acetylcholine. There are receptors on the muscle, which are specifically made for acetylcholine to bind to them. This binding of acetylcholine to the muscle receptor is how muscles receive the energy to move.
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a disease caused by the inability of acetylcholine to bind to the muscle receptor. If acetylcholine cannot bind to the receptor, then the muscles become weak. In the majority of dogs and cats with myasthenia gravis, the reason that acetylcholine cannot bind to the receptor is because the receptor is already bound to an acetylcholine receptor antibody.
Seizures
What are Seizures?
Seizures are the most common presenting neurologic complaint in veterinary medicine. A seizure is the clinical manifestation of excessive electrical activity in the cerebral cortex. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures (‘grand mal’) are the most common type of seizures in dogs and cats. These are often characterized by a stiffening of the neck and legs, stumbling and falling over, uncontrollable chewing, drooling, paddling of the limbs, loss of bladder control, defecating, vocalizing, and violent shaking and trembling.
Seizures can last a few seconds to a few minutes (average of 1 minute) and the patient is typically unaware of the surroundings during this period. In some rare cases, the seizures will not stop or be prolonged and this is referred to as status epilepticus.
After a seizure, your pet may appear confused, disoriented, dazed, or sleepy; this is called the postictal period.
Prior to the seizure, many pets will also experience an aura stage. This stage may or may not be recognized and can last anywhere from just a few seconds to a few minutes. It is characterized by your pet appearing anxious, frightened, or dazed, as if they can sense an upcoming seizure.
Many other medical conditions or episodes may appear like seizures. These include vestibular episodes (vertigo), neck pain, syncope (fainting), narcolepsy/cataplexy, REM sleep movements and other movement disorders (dyskinesias, myoclonus, myotonia, etc.).
As such, the most important initial step for the neurologist is to determine if the patient is truly having seizures.
Steroid-Responsive Meningitis-Arteritis (SRMA)
What is SRMA?
Steroid-Responsive Meningitis-Arteritis (SRMA) is a disease of a malfunctioning immune system, which results in inflammation within the meninges and the blood vessels (arteries) of the spinal cord. The meninges are the thin layers of tissue that surround the spinal cord. Inflammation within the lining of the spinal cord (the meninges) is called meningitis. Inflammation within the arteries of the spinal cord is called arteritis.
The immune system should normally function to help protect the body from things like infections, but in dogs with SRMA, the immune system starts to attack the normal lining of the spinal cord (the meninges).
Steroid-Responsive Meningitis-Arteritis (SRMA)
What is SRMA?
Steroid-Responsive Meningitis-Arteritis (SRMA) is a disease of a malfunctioning immune system, which results in inflammation within the meninges and the blood vessels (arteries) of the spinal cord. The meninges are the thin layers of tissue that surround the spinal cord. Inflammation within the lining of the spinal cord (the meninges) is called meningitis. Inflammation within the arteries of the spinal cord is called arteritis.
The immune system should normally function to help protect the body from things like infections, but in dogs with SRMA, the immune system starts to attack the normal lining of the spinal cord (the meninges).
Vestibular Disease in Dogs
What is Vestibular Disease?
Vestibular ‘disease’ is a broad term encompassing any problem that affects these balance centers. Clinical signs often present acutely; however, a more gradual onset is also possible. Signs of vestibular dysfunction include a ‘drunken’ gait, circling, leaning or falling to one side, a tilted head, abnormal eye position (strabismus) or movement (nystagmus), and sometimes even ‘crocodile rolling’.
Home Exercises for the Neurologic Patient
In order to minimize loss of function and expedite recovery, we ask that you perform the following home exercises for your pet. Not all exercises are applicable to every patient, ask your veterinarian which exercises are best suited to your pet’s condition. All recommendations for repetitions and frequency are approximate guides and can be adapted to your pet’s personal needs.
