When Does a Dog Need a Veterinary Neurologist?
Sometimes Specialized Canine Testing Procedures are the Best Option
Nov 3, 2009
Neurological symptoms may have more than one cause. Often specialized tests, including MRIs, CAT scans or other procedures may be needed to determine the root of the problem. But these tests may be very expensive. Dog owners need to know when to these tests are necessary and appropriate for their pet.
The Value and Limits of Specialized Neurological Tests
For some neurological diseases and conditions, simple tests including a full blood panel and radiographs may provide answers. But MRIs, Cat scans, or cerebrospinal fluid analysis from a spinal tap may be needed for a definitive diagnosis of other conditions. For example, normal blood work may eliminate organ failure as a cause of neurological changes. Specialized tests such as spinal taps to analyze cerebrospinal fluid may reveal infection or other abnormalities. CT scans and MRIs will help to determine if there is canine intervertebral disc disease.
But often extensive neurological testing only eliminates possible causes of canine neurological disorders without being able to provide a definitive diagnosis. And the cost of many of the tests may be prohibitive, particularly for uninsured dogs. So how does a dog owner decide whether to make an appointment with a veterinary neurologist?
How to Decide Whether to Visit a Veterinary Neurologist
The first and most important step is to have an open and honest discussion with the dog’s regular veterinarian. While it is their job to offer every possible option to the dog owner when there is not a clear diagnosis, they are also the ones who know the dog and owner best so they are best able to help with the decision making process.
Things to discuss with the dog’s regular veterinarian:
- Age and overall health of the dog: an elderly dog or one with other health issues may not handle the stress of a complete neurological workup.
- How a diagnosis will affect the care of the dog: if a definitive diagnosis will not change the treatment a dog needs, it may be more important to focus on best possible care rather than neurological diagnostics.
- The cost of a neurological work up: be honest with the dog’s vet about finances. This will allow the vet to better determine a course of action. Often diagnostic work is a step-by-step process. The dog owner should work closely with the vet at each step to decide how next to proceed.
Once this information is shared, the vet can more appropriately advise on how to deal with the dog’s neurological disorder. While dog owners may be concerned that they are not doing everything possible, the guidance of a caring, informed veterinarian will help ensure they are doing the best they possibly can for their canine friend.
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