Dogs and Cats Emergency & Specialty
Overview
Pets may be referred to our neurology service for a wide range of canine and feline neurological conditions, including seizures, epilepsy, imbalance, paralysis, intervertebral disk disease, encephalitis, meningitis, spinal cord injuries, congenital abnormalities, neuropathies, and tumors affecting the nervous system. These conditions require specialized veterinary neurologic care to ensure the best possible outcome for your pet's nervous system health. To accurately diagnose and treat these issues, we offer a range of advanced diagnostic, medical, and surgical services tailored to the specific needs of each case:
Comprehensive Neurological Examinations: Utilizing advanced techniques to assess neurological health, including neurologic reflex testing, gait analysis, and pain assessment to accurately diagnose the condition affecting your pet.
Advanced Diagnostic Tools: Incorporating state-of-the-art methods such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and CT scans (Computed Tomography) to provide detailed images of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. These imaging technologies are crucial for diagnosing various neurological conditions accurately.
Biopsy: In cases where a tumor or other abnormal growth is suspected, we may perform a biopsy to extract a sample of cells or tissue. This is essential for determining if the growth is benign or cancerous and planning the appropriate treatment.
Spinal Tap (Lumbar Puncture): This specialized diagnostic procedure involves inserting a needle into the spinal canal to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Analyzing CSF can help diagnose conditions such as infections (e.g., meningitis), inflammation (e.g., encephalitis), and certain cancers affecting the central nervous system.
Neurosurgery: Our skilled neurosurgeons are equipped to perform a wide range of surgical procedures to treat neurological conditions. This includes surgery for spinal cord decompression, tumor removal, correction of congenital abnormalities, and repair of traumatic injuries to the nervous system.
Management of Seizure Disorders: Offering the latest in medical therapy to control seizures resulting from epilepsy or other neurological conditions. Our approach is tailored to each patient, aiming to minimize seizure frequency and severity while maximizing quality of life.
Treatment of Neuromuscular Disorders: Providing specialized care for pets with conditions affecting the muscles and peripheral nerves, including therapies aimed at improving mobility, strength, and overall well-being.
Meet The Doctor
Dr. Dharshan Neravanda
DVM, DACVIM
Dr. Dharshan Neravanda is a board-certified Veterinary Neurologist/Neurosurgeon. Dr. Neravanda earned his DVM from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003 and completed a rotating medicine and surgery internship at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine the following year. After a year of private practice in New York City, he moved south to Athens, GA. There, he completed a one-year Neurology Internship followed by a 3 year Neurology and Neurosurgery Residency at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. Although Dr. Neravanda enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine and neurology, he has a strong background and interest in MRI and neurosurgery. Dr. Neravanda joined DCES in 2009.