When your pet is showing signs of a neurological problem, it can be frightening and overwhelming. At IndyVet, we’re here to help. Our advanced veterinary neurology services are designed to diagnose and treat conditions affecting your pet’s brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles—so they can get back to feeling like themselves again.
Our neurology service is led by residency-trained neurologist Dr. Samantha Tadros, whose extensive post-doctoral training allows her to provide specialized, compassionate care for even the most complex neurological conditions.
Common Neurological Conditions in Pets
A wide range of diseases and injuries can affect your pet’s nervous system and quality of life. Some of the most common conditions we diagnose and treat include:
Seizures
Seizures occur when abnormal electrical activity in the brain causes sudden changes in movement, behavior, awareness, or muscle tone. They may be caused by brain tumors, trauma, toxins, metabolic disease, liver disease, or high blood pressure. In some cases, no cause is found—this is known as idiopathic epilepsy. Advanced testing helps us identify the cause and create the best treatment plan for your pet.
Balance and Vestibular Disorders
If your pet has a head tilt, is circling, stumbling, falling, or has abnormal eye movements, they may have a vestibular disorder. These issues can result from ear infections, head trauma, strokes, nerve inflammation, thyroid disease, vitamin deficiencies, or tumors.
Inflammatory Diseases of the Nervous System
Inflammation of the brain or spinal cord can cause serious symptoms. Meningitis affects the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord, while encephalitis affects the brain itself. Causes include infections, immune-mediated disease, or toxin exposure. Signs may include fever, neck pain, seizures, blindness, paralysis, behavioral changes, or coma.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
IVDD occurs when the discs between the vertebrae bulge or rupture, putting pressure on the spinal cord and causing pain, weakness, or paralysis. Breeds such as dachshunds, basset hounds, German shepherds, and shih tzus are at higher risk.
Neurological Cancers
Tumors affecting the brain, spinal cord, or nerves can cause a wide range of symptoms depending on their location and size.
Nerve and Muscle Disorders
Neuromuscular diseases interfere with normal nerve and muscle function, leading to weakness, muscle loss, difficulty walking or standing, trouble swallowing, or regurgitation.
Advanced Diagnostic Tools for Neurological Conditions
To understand what’s happening with your pet, our team uses advanced diagnostic technology to quickly and accurately reach a diagnosis. These tools include:
- Digital Radiography (X-rays) Standard and contrast-enhanced X-rays help evaluate your pet’s spine and skeletal system and are reviewed by board-certified veterinary radiologists.
- Computed Tomography (CT) CT scans use multiple X-ray images to create detailed cross-sectional views of your pet’s body. This test provides more detail than traditional X-rays and requires heavy sedation or anesthesia.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create highly detailed images of the brain and spinal cord. It is one of the most powerful tools for diagnosing neurological disease and requires general anesthesia.
- Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis A spinal tap allows us to collect and analyze the fluid surrounding your pet’s brain and spinal cord to diagnose infections, inflammation, or cancer. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia to ensure safety and comfort.
Neurosurgical Services for Pets
Some neurological conditions require surgery to relieve pain, restore function, or prevent further damage. If surgery is recommended, you can feel confident that your pet is in experienced, compassionate hands.
Our neurosurgical services include:
Intervertebral Disc Surgery
Surgery removes herniated disc material to relieve pressure on the spinal cord, improve blood flow, and reduce the risk of future injury. Depending on your pet’s condition, surgical approaches may include:
- Ventral slot – Commonly used for neck disc herniations
- Hemilaminectomy – Often performed in the mid-back region
- Dorsal laminectomy – Typically used in the lower back
Brain Surgery
Brain surgery may be needed for tumor removal, traumatic injuries, shunt placement for hydrocephalus, or correction of Chiari-like malformation—a painful condition caused by abnormal skull and brain structure.
Nerve and Muscle Biopsies
Biopsies allow us to examine tissue samples under a microscope to diagnose neuromuscular disorders or certain cancers.
Surgery may be recommended for conditions such as:
- Disc disease (neck and back)
- Vertebral instability
- Brain and spinal tumors
- Atlantoaxial (AA) luxation
- Discospondylitis
- Lumbosacral disease
- Congenital spinal abnormalities
- …and more
If your pet does need surgery, they will receive individualized anesthesia, pain management, and attentive monitoring every step of the way.
Medical Management of Neurological Conditions
Not every neurological condition requires surgery. Many disorders can be treated or managed with medication alone.
For example, epilepsy is often controlled with long-term anticonvulsant therapy to reduce or prevent seizures. Inflammatory and infectious diseases of the nervous system frequently respond well to medication and may fully resolve. Even some inoperable tumors can be managed medically to improve comfort and quality of life for extended periods.
Conditions that may benefit from medical management include:
- Seizures and epilepsy
- Encephalitis
- Meningitis
- Vascular events (such as strokes)
- Neuromuscular diseases
- Neuropathic pain
- Non-compressive spinal cord injuries
- Congenital neurological conditions
- …and more
Your pet’s treatment plan is always tailored to their specific diagnosis, lifestyle, and overall health, to help them live as comfortably and fully as possible.
Compassionate, Collaborative Neurology Care
At IndyVet, you’re never alone in your pet’s care. Our neurology team is committed to keeping you informed every step of the way—from diagnosis to treatment to recovery. We also work closely with your primary care veterinarian to ensure seamless, coordinated care.
If your pet is showing signs of a neurological condition, contact IndyVet today. We’re here to support you and your pet with expert care, compassion, and clarity when you need it most.