Veterinary neurologists diagnose and treat neurological disorders in cats, dogs, and other animals. They analyze medical history, perform tests, and determine the best treatment options. Some specialize in specific diseases or animals, and may use alternative treatments. They have extensive education and experience, including a bachelor’s degree, four years of veterinary medicine, a one-year internship, and a three-year residency program. Board certification requires additional exams.
In general, a veterinary neurologist studies the nervous systems of cats, dogs, and other animals to diagnose and treat a variety of neurological disorders, such as epilepsy or spinal cord disorders. Sometimes a veterinary neurologist specializes in a single disease or neurological issues related to a single type of animal, such as dogs, cats, or horses. Typically, a veterinary neurologist will not perform routine health checks, but will be recommended to the pet owner by a general veterinarian when a neurological problem is possible.
Generally, a veterinary neurologist will look at a pet’s illness very analytically, taking logical steps to diagnose and plan the proper treatment. For example, when an animal first visits a veterinary neurologist with a possible neurological problem, he will analyze the animal to see if the nervous system really has something to do with the disease. This can be done through a review of the pet’s medical history, x-rays or other tests such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The information gained from these tests helps the veterinary neurologist determine the severity of the problem, as well as which part of the nervous system is affected. The tests can also help the vet decide what the best treatment options are.
Not all veterinary neurologists deal with all aspects of neurology. Some specialize in a specific disease, such as epilepsy or diseases that affect the spine. In these cases, the veterinary clinic may have equipment that other clinics do not have. As a result, a more detailed analysis of the disease may be possible. For example, a pet at an epilepsy clinic might have its brain waves monitored using an EEG machine. Additionally, a veterinarian may specialize in a specific animal, such as horses. This allows her to become familiar with the routine problems that affect the nervous system of these animals and also to be an expert in the most effective treatments.
Often, a veterinary neurologist specializes in treating specific diseases or disorders that affect a pet’s brain, nerves, and spinal cord. While some neurologists may feel comfortable performing brain surgery on a dog or cat, others may prefer to have a qualified veterinary neurosurgeon handle the procedure. Additionally, many neurologists know exactly what types of veterinary pharmaceutical medications will treat a pet, but may not be familiar with alternative treatments such as acupuncture, massage, or holistic herbs. Some veterinary neurologists specialize in these alternative treatments, filling a smaller niche in the field.
In general, a veterinary neurologist will have long-term education and experience, making him an expert in the field of neurology. Typically, she will have a bachelor’s degree from a college or university. She will also complete four years of veterinary medicine. In addition, she will complete an internship that lasts one year and a residency program that lasts another three years. If she wants to earn board certification, she must apply to the board and pass additional exams.
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