The Neurology service at IndyVet is led by our residency trained neurologist who has years of post-doctoral training. Our Neurology team uses in-house MRI, CT, and other advanced diagnostics to deliver precise evaluations and treatment. At your pet’s initial consultation, our neurology team will perform a full physical exam and discuss other noninvasive tests to assess and diagnose your pet’s condition.
Our goal is to determine what area of your pet’s nervous system has been affected, why it has been affected, and to what degree. Our team will thoroughly discuss diagnostic results, your pet’s prognosis, and recommended treatment options with you during the
consultation. We will also update your primary care veterinarian and keep them involved every step of the way.
You may be asked to return for check-ups and continued management depending on your pet’s condition. Postoperative rechecks are offered at no additional cost!
IndyVet was the first veterinary hospital to offer in-house CT scans in the greater Indianapolis area. Our 24-hour access to high quality imaging allows us to diagnose and treat complex problems associated with the brain, spinal cord, spine, abdomen, chest, and pelvis. Our 8 slice per rotation scanner generates extremely fast image acquisition and reconstructions. This allows us to perform high speed studies requiring only sedation rather than anesthesia.
MRI is a safe and non-invasive imaging technique that enables many diseases of the nervous system to be diagnosed accurately and rapidly. MRI also provides excellent detail for pre-operative planning for many neuro-surgical conditions. IndyVet utilizes the Hallmarq PetVet 1.5T high field MRI specifically designed for veterinary use. The unique dual coil system of the PetVet MRI provides a significant boost in signal intensity across larger body regions allowing fast scan times and pristine images of unparalleled diagnostic quality. IndyVet is proud to be the first to have this superior veterinary MRI system in the Midwest.
The brain and spinal cord are bathed in a clear fluid that nourishes the tissue, carries away waste products, and acts as a shock absorber. Through careful collection and laboratory analysis of small amounts of cerebral spinal fluid, many inflammatory diseases of the brain and spinal cord can be diagnosed and successfully managed.
Diseases of the nerves and muscles may require biopsy samples to diagnose the specific condition that is causing weakness, atrophy, or sensory deficits. A carefully obtained sample of muscle and/or nerve will not impair function of the sampled tissue and can be invaluable in diagnosing neuromuscular diseases.
Surgery is required to manage many neurologic conditions. Herniated discs of the neck or back that are causing severe pain, weakness, or paralysis are candidates for surgical intervention. Structural abnormalities of the spine causing vertebral instability, fractures of the spine, vertebral malformations, and congenital spinal cord conditions may also require surgery. Some tumors of the brain and spinal cord are best managed with surgery.
Conditions that may benefit from surgical management:
Many diseases of the nervous system are treated with medications to improve, manage, or resolve the condition. Epilepsy, for instance, can be managed with medications to resolve or reduce the frequency of seizures. Infections or inflammatory conditions of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, or muscles are commonly responsive to medical management, resolving all symptoms. Some tumors of the nervous system are not operable, but can be managed with medication for a significant period of time.
IndyVet uses rehabilitation therapy to help patients recover following successful treatment with medicine or neurosurgery. Patients with nervous system disease commonly experience weakness, atrophy, or incoordination. These conditions resolve much faster and more completely with rehabilitation. Consequently, rehabilitation is commonly prescribed as a necessary treatment to get the patient fully recovered. Rehab therapy includes laser, deep tissue ultrasound, electrostimulation, underwater treadmill, as well as special stretches, exercises, and acupuncture administered by IndyVet staff. This coordinated effort allows patients treated at IndyVet to have the best opportunity for rapid recovery.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI is a safe and non-invasive imaging technique that enables many diseases of the nervous system to be diagnosed accurately and rapidly. MRI also provides excellent detail for pre-operative planning for many neuro-surgical conditions. IndyVet utilizes the Hallmarq PetVet 1.5T high field MRI specifically designed for veterinary use. The unique dual coil system of the PetVet MRI provides a significant boost in signal intensity across larger body regions allowing fast scan times and pristine images of unparalleled diagnostic quality. IndyVet is proud to be the first to have this superior veterinary MRI system in the Midwest.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a strong magnetic field to align the usually randomly oriented atomic nuclei of hydrogen atoms in the patient’s body. A radio frequency (RF) pulse is then applied forcing the spinning hydrogen protons in the nucleus to wobble. Once the RF pulse is turned off, the wobbling hydrogen protons return to equilibrium generating a small electrical signal. This very small signal, detected by coils positioned as close to the area of interest as possible, is converted into the MRI image. The rate at which the protons return to their equilibrium state distinguishes different body tissues.
MRI is particularly well suited for examining brain and spinal cord injuries, tendon and ligament injuries, as well as other soft tissues.
For some patients, an MRI may be the only imaging option, while for many others it may be a better imaging option than CT or digital x-ray. In general, an MRI offers these advantages:
Even when reaching a diagnosis may be possible through an alternative route, an MRI is often quicker, provides greater detail, and enables a more informed treatment plan to be made.
Patients that require an MRI scan, especially neurology cases, can quickly become unstable. It is critical that the necessary diagnostic tools are available and can be carried out swiftly.
Our on-site MRI is available seven days a week. Our diagnostic imaging specialists work closely with all of our doctors to provide rapid interpretation of results 24 hours a day.
No matter what day of the week or time of day a patient arrives, IndyVet will be able to manage the case quickly.
