Veterinary Surgical Centers (VSC) in Vienna specializes in expert Neurology services, including advanced diagnostics and treatments to support your pet’s nervous system health and care for complex conditions.
Neurological Care for Pets in Northern Virginia, Washington DC and Maryland.
Neurologic disorders can be difficult to diagnose and treat, but Veterinary Surgical Centers is fortunate to have board-certified neurologists specializing in these conditions. Our VSC Neurologists have undergone multiple years of advanced training and passed a series of rigorous exams to become Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. They are recognized experts in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, as well as peripheral nerves and muscles.
While certain conditions may be treated with medical neurology, others may have a better outcome with surgery. At VSC, our neurologists are experts in both medicine and neurosurgery. Once a diagnosis is made, they will discuss the treatment options with you and help formulate the best plan for you and your pet. Procedures range from advanced diagnostics such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis (CSF Tap) to spinal surgery for Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) and brain surgery. Medical neurology may be recommended for seizures and movement disorders or encephalopathies (disorders of the brain).
Board-Certified Veterinary Neurologist
ACVIM (American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine) training is a rigorous post-graduate program for veterinarians seeking board certification in specialties like Cardiology, Neurology, Oncology, Nutrition, and Internal Medicine (Small and Large Animal). The process involves completing a residency (internship and residency), gaining extensive clinical experience, registering as a candidate, passing a General Examination and a final Specialty Examination, and achieving Diplomate status. The training emphasizes clinical skills, research, and mastery of a narrow field.
Common Neurologic Conditions
Neurological disorders in pets can affect their movement, balance, behavior, and overall quality of life. Our veterinary neurologist provides advanced diagnostics and treatment for a wide range of these conditions, including:
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
- Vestibular disease
- Inflammatory brain and spinal cord disease
- Epilepsy, especially in difficult-to-manage or refractory cases
- Brain and spinal tumors
- Syringomyelia/Occipital malformation (COMS)
- Chronic pain
- Cerebrovascular accidents (Strokes)
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Fibrocartilagenous embolism (FCE)
Neuromedical Procedures
- Complete neurologic exam and lesion localization
- MRI and CT interpretation
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection and evaluation
Neurosurgeries Performed by VSC Specialists
Neurosurgeries commonly performed by our team of specialists include:
- Hemilaminectomy (for spinal cord compression from IVDD)
- Ventral Slot (treats cervical disc herniation)
- Dorsal Laminectomy (relieves thoracic or lumbar spinal cord compression)
- Craniotomy (accesses the brain to treat tumors or trauma)
- Spinal Fracture Stabilization (repairs and aligns broken bones)
- Atlantoaxial Subluxation Repair (stabilizes the joint between the first and second cervical vertebrae)
- Lumbosacral Decompression (treats cauda equina syndrome or lumbosacral stenosis)