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Our Process

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).
Our Process

Our Process

We will continue with evaluations of coordination, paw placement, balance, and posture.
Our Process

Our Process

We may make recommendations for additional testing (for an additional cost) as well as referrals to a veterinary neurology specialist or board-certified pet neurologist when appropriate.

Veterinary Neurology 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. A referral to a veterinary neurologist for further evaluation and testing may also be necessary.

What Our Clients Say

Review
Jeanne Stone
BetterVet Eugene

We came to Eugene to give our 11 year old Newfie a peaceful time. Worried he may have a UTI we called Eugene Mobile Vet and they came to us within 24 hours of our call! They took blood and urine and then recommended we seek a neurological exam. Otis was calm which doesn’t happen when we go into an office to be examined. They were not the least bit concerned about Otis’ size - he is 146 lbs. Then they went the extra mile and helped us secure a contact and an appt with the referring vet in Portland. We are so grateful to have found these kind, caring and skillful people to help us with our beloved Otis.

Shawna Pierce
BetterVet Austin
First time home vet visit and it was a great experience! It was so much easier on our elderly English Mastiff instead of trying to get him to the vet. Definitely doing this again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do they test for neurological problems in dogs?
A vet neurology evaluation usually begins with a review of your dog’s history and a general physical examination. A general neurologic assessment includes specific tests that can be carried out during a home visit. This includes testing your pet’s reflexes, muscle functioning, posture, and gait and any significant or recent behavior changes. 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).
What are the most common neurological disorders in dogs?

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.

What are the 4 components of a neurological check for pets?
Typically, we evaluate a pet’s neurological functioning by testing their reflexes, muscle functioning, posture, and gait.
What are the signs of neurological problems in pets?

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, neck or back
  • Seizures 
  • Balance issues
What are neurological issues in pets?
Any condition that affects a pet’s nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, is called a neurological disorder, which can cause the issues listed above.