• Veterinary Neurology | Cave Veterinary Specialists

If you have an emergency, please call one of the Team on 01823 653510.

Our Neurology and Neurosurgery service is available to help with the diagnosis and management of all conditions of the brain, inner ear, spinal cord, vertebrae and neuromuscular system (nerves, muscles and the nerve muscle junction).

neurology and neurosurgery services at Cave Vets

Our clinicians can provide comprehensive investigation of these conditions using on site facilities which include:

  • MRI, CT, ultrasound and radiography
  • Cerebrospinal fluid analysis (CSF)
  • Electrophysiologic evaluation of the brain, spinal cord, nerve and muscle function
  • Hearing evaluation

Our team of specialists are also able to offer a full range of treatment options including medical and surgical treatments for conditions involving the brain, spinal cord, nerve and muscle.

Our Neurology and Neurosurgery service works together with other speciality services at Cave Veterinary Specialists, which enables patients to benefit from state-of-the-art care throughout their hospital stay. We aim to provide care that is professional and compassionate ensuring that owners are fully included in decisions regarding the diagnosis and management of their pet’s condition.

Appointments and Referrals

Appointment Guidelines

We only accept new cases that are referred from a veterinarian. This ensures that patients are referred to the most appropriate service within the veterinary hospital and enables us to provide ongoing care for the patient through their veterinarian once they are discharged from the hospital.

Appointment Hours

  • We have routine appointments Monday-Friday.
  • We will see emergency cases at all other times dependent on the medical condition of the patient and the daily appointment schedule.

Emergency Service

We endeavour to see emergency cases as soon as possible and ask for referring veterinarians to call us to arrange an appointment (01823 653510 or out of hours 01823 653519).

Advice

We are very happy to offer telephone advice to veterinarians regarding cases and to discuss options for referral, please call (01823 653510) or email the hospital ([email protected]).

Making a Routine Appointment

Please click on the link below to complete a referral form.

Refer a case to us

 


Neurology FAQs

What should I bring to the appointment?

Please bring along any medication and details of supplements you have been giving your pet. If your pet is having abnormal episodes/fits then it is helpful to bring a video if you have one. If you have a diary of events it would be helpful to bring that to the appointment too.

What will happen during my appointment?

  • Once you have arrived and completed the paperwork given to you by the reception team your neurologist will take you through to a consultation room where they will take a thorough history and examine your pet performing a general physical examination and neurological examination. The findings of the examination will be discussed with you and options for further investigation to make a precise diagnosis and potential treatment will be described.
  • If your pet is referred as an emergency it is possible that on arrival you will be met by one of the experienced nursing team who will take your pet directly to our triage room where they can be assessed and given any urgent care whilst you fill in the paperwork with our reception team. We do this in order to ensure that your pet is given the optimal treatment as quickly as possible. As soon as possible one of the neurologists will be through to take a complete history and discuss their findings as well as make plans for further investigation and treatment.

What diagnostic tests will be performed?

Patients presenting with problems affecting the neurological system will have a range of diagnostic tests performed which can include the following:

  • Blood tests
  • Urine samples
  • Radiographs (X-rays)
  • Ultrasound
  • MRI scans: MRI gives excellent detail of the brain, spinal cord and associated nerves. All patients having an MRI scan will need a general anaesthetic.
  • CT scan: CT scans can produce detailed images of many structures inside the body including internal organs, blood vessels and bones. Sometimes a CT scan is performed on its own and other times we combine it with an MRI scan. CT scan is needed to produce 3D printing models and implants.
  • CSF analysis: this is a sample of fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. A sample is always taken under general anaesthesia and will either be taken from a space at the back of the skull or low back ‘lumbar puncture’.
  • Electrodiagnostic studies: these tests are used to look at muscle, nerve and brain activity in certain cases. Rarely some of these tests can be performed conscious but the majority of patients will need a sedation or general anaesthetic.

When will diagnostic tests be performed?

We will endeavour to perform diagnostics on the same day as the consult however depending on the time of the day, other cases in the hospital and the unique combination of tests required for your pet, they may need to stay overnight.


What our clients say...

"What a top man, Tom and his staff saved our beloved Staffie cross Stevie when he ruptured a disc in his spine, Mel and I are so grateful. It's 5 months now from his operation and he is nearly back to full strength and fitness."

"A HUGE thank you from us for the care you gave to Merlin...& for the kind support you gave to us. This Christmas will be celebrated as last year Merlin was unable to. Merlin collapsed screaming in pain & paralysed on Dec 22nd. Taken straight to our vet's & kept in till Christmas Eve. Emily our vet contacted The Cave as Merlin was fitting also. We were inconsolable thinking it was a brain tumour. Merlin was allowed home with complete crate rest on Christmas Eve. We spent from then until Jan 4th sleeping in the living room not leaving his side. Jan 4th was the day we drove up to meet you. We were running on adrenalin & everyone at The Cave went out of their way to make the visit as supportive as they could. We left Merlin with you for an MRI scan etc. Dr Tom, you kept in contact with us which did wonders for our nerves. We were expecting dire news. But the God's were on our side! This is how GOOD you are Tom. You gave a spot on diagnosis even before Merlin's MRI... The elation, even though he was a poorly boy was overwhelming! But our constant care avoided spinal surgery. We will never be able to thank you enough. Merlin is such a happy boy. He is watched like a hawk & both he & Kerensa are probably spoilt rotten. Dealing with how he was, of course he is. Again thank you ALL for everything..."

"Our Boy Rocco had to have an emergency spinal operation, It was the first time we ever left him overnight so we was nervous and emotional and away from home ourselves. Cave kept us updated as much as they could and they gave our Boy a whole new lease of life. He absolutely loved the staff too! Thank you so much guys."

Our veterinary facilities

We offer some of the most advanced veterinary facilities here at Cave Vets, including:

Location & Directions

Location & Directions - Click here for our location on Google Maps

The Cave Veterinary Specialists practice is located in West Buckland, Somerset.

We are located just off junction 26 of the M5 motorway, and we have prepared a set of simple directions to help you find out practice as easily as possible.

Click here for directions

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