Neurology
Why choose IndyVet?
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!
Processes
Computed Tomography (CT Scan)
Our high quality imaging allows us to diagnose and treat complex problems associated with the brain, spinal cord, spine, abdomen, chest, and pelvis. Our 128-slice per rotation scanner generates extremely fast image acquisition and reconstructions.
Magnetic Resonance Imagine (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. General anesthesia is a requirement of this imaging modality.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Taps (CSF Taps)
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 cerebrospinal fluid, many inflammatory diseases of the brain and spinal cord can be diagnosed and successfully managed.
Muscle & Nerve Biopsy
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.
Surgical Management
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:
Disc disease (cervical & thoracolumbar)
Vertebral instability
Brain & spinal tumors
AA luxation
Discospondylitis
Lumbosacral disease
Congenital malformations
Traumatic fractures
Medical Management
Many diseases of the nervous system are treated with medications to improve or manage 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.
Conditions that may benefit from medical management:
Seizures
Encephalitis
Meningitis
Vascular events
Neuromuscular diseases
Neuropathic pain
Non-compressive spinal cord injuries
Congenital malformations
Neurology Team
Samantha Tadros
DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)
Samantha Tadros
DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)