Services | Neurology/Neurosurgery
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 The neurology service at Seattle Veterinary Specialists led by Sean Sanders, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVIM (Neurology) is responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the brain, spine, peripheral nerves and muscles. Common conditions that are treated include seizures, intervertebral disk disease, spine and brain tumors. A neurological exam combined with a thorough history is often enough to tell the Neurology team what part of the nervous system to look at. Advanced imaging techniques like MRI allow the clinician to “see” the brain and spine. Treatments such as anticonvulsant therapy, decompressive spinal surgery and tumor excision are routine procedures to the neurology group. Dr. Sanders and his team are strong believers in making sure that his clients are aware of all the options available for any condition and will work hard to explain the disease and the benefits of the various therapies. The Neurology Service believes that the healing process only begins with surgery. A combination of excellent patient care, comfort and physical rehabilitation is also necessary to ensure that their patients have the best possible outcome.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can my pet’s MRI be performed on the same day as the initial neurological exam?
A: Often we can perform the MRI on the same day. It depends on the number of cases that are scheduled for that day and any emergencies that may have shown up overnight. Usually, we try to schedule the MRI for another day, however, we try to be as accommodating as possible, especially if you are traveling from a far distance.
Q: What is the difference between x-rays, myelogram, MRI and CAT scans?
A: Click here
Q: What time should I drop-off my pet for MRI or surgery?
A: Your pet should be dropped-off on the day of the MRI or surgery on or before 9am. Special accommodations can be made if you a traveling long distances.
Q: When should I withhold food and water for my pet?
A: Please withhold food after 10pm on the night prior to MRI or surgery. It is very important that your pet have an empty stomach when undergoing general anesthesia. MRI or surgery may have to be rescheduled if your pet has not been fasted appropriately. A small to moderate amount of water is okay. Any medications that your pet is currently taking is also OK, unless they need food along with the medications.
Q: Can I give my pet a bath before surgery?
A: You may wish to have your pet bathed or groomed one week prior to surgery. Bathing and clipping cannot be performed for 2-3 weeks post-operatively. Do NOT give your pet a bath the day before surgery. Doing so actually increases the incidence of incisional infection.
Q: How much skin will be shaved on my pet?
A: Prior to surgery, your pet will have the skin around the surgical site shaved to obtain a sterile field. Please be assured that we shave only the area necessary to provide an adequate field for sterile surgery. Most patients will also have small areas shaved for placement of IV catheters, pain medication patch, or where the spinal tap is performed. Depending on the location of the spinal tap, a small square may be shaved at the base of the skull or just above the tail.
Q: Will my pet be monitored during anesthesia?
A: The neurology service is staffed by experienced licensed veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, and veterinary technician specialists in anesthesia. Monitoring consists of ECG, invasive and non – invasive blood pressure measurement, oxygen saturation of blood, respiration rate and level of consciousness.
Q: Will I get a call after the MRI or surgery?
A: The neurologist or neurology service team will give you a call after the MRI or surgery as soon as your pet has recovered from general anesthesia. Please feel free to give us a call to check on the status of your pet or when your pet is scheduled for MRI or surgery.
Q: How long after the MRI is a surgery performed if needed?
A: For emergency procedures, the patient usually goes directly to surgery after the MRI. The neurologist will call you after the MRI and discuss the finding and surgical options. Oftentimes, non – emergency cases will often go directly to surgery if the procedure is considered standard and not complicated. Many elective procedure and long procedures are performed the next day or scheduled at your convenience.
Q: How long will my pet be in the hospital after an MRI or surgery?
A: Patients that have an MRI performed get to go home the same day, usually in the late afternoon or early evening. Patients will go home with complete discharges explaining the findings of the exam and any diagnostic tests that were performed. Hospitalization after surgery will depend on the surgery and how affected your pet was prior to surgery. In general spinal surgeries stay in the hospital 3 – 5 days and brain surgeries stay in the hospital 5 – 7 days.
Q: Who manages my pet’s condition following my visit to SVS?
A: A complete discharge letter is sent to your regular veterinarian. The neurology team will keep in contact with your pet’s regular veterinarian regarding long – term management of the case. The neurology service is very happy to answer any questions, however, for immediate concerns, please call your veterinarian as the neurologist may be in surgery or exam and may not be available to answer questions immediately. For the best management of your pet’s condition, it is essential that there is good communication between SVS, your veterinarian and yourself. The neurology services strives to return calls within 24 hours. Please do not hesitate to call if you feel there is a delay in getting back to you. We understand and empathize with any concerns you might have.
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