Common Conditions We Treat
When something goes wrong with your pet’s nervous system, you might feel lost and helpless. But you’re far from alone: hundreds of thousands of pet parents deal with neurologic disorders every day.
At Minnesota Veterinary Neurology, we’ll help you feel empowered to give your pet the best chance at an excellent outcome.
Conditions We Treat
Here are some of the common conditions we treat at MVN:
- Epilepsy (seizure disorders): Recurrent seizures due to abnormal brain activity—managed with medication.
- Inflammation of the nervous system (meningitis): Inflammation of brain/spinal cord membranes caused by infection or autoimmune response.
- Congenital disorders: Birth defects that affect the nervous system, like hydrocephalus or caudal occipital malformation syndrome.
- Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD): Disc herniation or rupture that leads to pain and mobility issues.
- Strokes: Sudden neurologic symptoms from disrupted blood flow to the brain.
- Head or spinal trauma: Injuries that cause neurologic damage and require immediate care.
- Vestibular disease: Affects balance, leading to dizziness and unsteady walking.
- Fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE): Sudden paralysis caused by cartilage blocking the spinal cord's blood flow.
- Tumors of the brain and spine: Tumors that cause varying neurologic symptoms based on location and size.
- Wobblers disease: A degenerative condition in the neck that can cause pain and weakness.
Symptoms of Neurologic Disorders
It can be hard to know whether your dog or cat is experiencing a neurologic condition. We’ve seen it all at Minnesota Veterinary Neurology, and we want to share key signs of neurologic disorders.
Here’s what to watch out for:
- Seizures: Sudden, uncontrolled movements or convulsions, which are often a sign of epilepsy or brain disorders
- Loss of balance or coordination: Stumbling, difficulty walking, or unsteady movements, all of which can indicate potential vestibular issues
- Paralysis or weakness: Inability to move or weakness in limbs, which may signal spinal cord or nerve damage
- Head tilt: A persistent head tilt can be a sign of vestibular disease or inner ear problems
- Behavioral changes: Sudden aggression, confusion, or lethargy can be a sign of neurologic issues
- Pain or vocalization: Unusual pain responses or excessive vocalization might suggest nerve damage or brain injury
- Vision problems: Sudden blindness or difficulty seeing could be related to brain or nerve conditions
If you notice any of these symptoms with your pet, it is important to contact us or your primary veterinarian as soon as possible. Neurologic conditions are time sensitive, and the sooner you can get veterinary care, the better chance you have for a successful diagnosis and outcome for your beloved pet.