Veterinary Neurology
At Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital in Halifax, our veterinary specialists diagnose and treat disorders affecting the brain, spinal cord, muscles and nerves of pets.
Neurological Care for Pets in Halifax
At Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital, our veterinary specialists offer comprehensive medical and surgical care for pets with neurological conditions.
Your pet's nervous system serves as the control center, regulating everything from automatic functions like breathing and metabolism to higher-order thinking that contributes to your furry friend's unique personality. Unfortunately, pets can sometimes experience conditions that affect this system.
During the appointment, we will conduct a thorough neurological examination to determine if your pet is facing a neurological issue and to identify which part of their nervous system is impacted.
Once the exam is complete, the veterinarian will review the findings and recommend any necessary follow-up evaluations. This may include diagnostic imaging to determine the specific cause of the condition and available treatment, such as medical therapy, surgery or intensive care.
Please Note: Specialty services require a referral from a primary care veterinarian.
Common Neurologic Conditions
Neurological issues in pets can range from physical disorders to cognitive impairments that affect their ability to understand and follow commands.
Some of the neurological conditions commonly treated by our veterinary specialists include:
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Encephalitis and meningitis
- Epilepsy, especially difficult to manage or refractory cases
- Brain and spinal tumours
- Syringomyelia / occipital malformation
- Chronic pain
- Stroke and fibrocartilagenous embolism (FCE)
- Degenerative myelopathy
Neuromedical Procedures at Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital
- Complete neurologic exam and lesion localization
- MRI (coming Summer 2025!) and CT
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection and evaluation
- Electrodiagnostics for peripheral nerve and muscle function
- BAER exams (hearing tests)
Neurosurgical Procedures
- Hemilaminectomy and ventral slot decompression for intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
- Craniotomy (brain surgery) for brain tumours
- Spinal tumour removal or biopsy
- Lumbosacral dorsal laminectomy for lumbar spinal stenosis and cauda equina syndrome
- Nerve and muscle biopsy
Caring for Pets in Atlantic Canada
Our specialists are pleased to accept new patients by referral from primary care veterinarians. Our emergency service welcomes all clients – 24/7/365.