Pet Neurological Exams
During a comprehensive wellness or sick exam in your home, our mobile veterinarians can evaluate your pet’s symptoms and neurological functioning as part of a general nose-to-tail assessment of your pet’s health.
Same-day or next-day availability in most locations
Our Process
Your BetterVet veterinarian can evaluate your pet’s neurologic health through a variety of tests. We may begin by testing your pet’s cranial nerves (the communications between brain and body that control facial reflexes, swallowing, and vision.) We will continue with evaluations of coordination, paw placement, balance, and posture and will make recommendations for additional testing (for an additional cost) as well as referrals to a board-certified pet neurologist when appropriate.
Neurological Care for Older Dogs and Cats
Older animals often experience compromises in their cognitive and neurological health, so it is important to create a treatment plan that covers the full spectrum of your pet’s needs. If you have concerns about your pet’s quality of life, we can also provide Quality-of-Life Consultation and guidance as well as end-of-life care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Additional laboratory tests may be required to confirm a diagnosis. Lab tests may include blood work, urinalysis, fecal tests, and diagnostic imaging (for an additional cost).
Some common neurological disorders in dogs include:
- Epilepsy
- Vestibular Disease
- Horner's Syndrome
- Neoplasia/Cancer affecting the central or peripheral nervous system
- Wobbler Syndrome
- Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
If your pet is diagnosed with a neurological disorder, your veterinarian will work with you to develop a treatment plan to help maintain your pet’s quality of life and make their symptoms more manageable.
The most common symptoms of neurological issues in pets include:
- Cognitive or behavioral changes
- Disorientation and confusion
- Head tilting or leaning
- An abnormal gait or body movements
- Weakness or paralysis
- Unusual or jerky eye movements
- Pain along the spine, and neck, or back
- Seizures
- Balance issues
