When your dog or cat shows signs of a neurological problem, such as sudden weakness, seizures, or difficulty walking, finding the right specialist fast matters. Veterinary neurology is a specialized branch of medicine focused on treating diseases of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. Not every animal hospital in Los Angeles offers this level of care. Below you will find a detailed look at the LA-area specialty hospitals that provide neurology and neurosurgery for pets, what to look for in a provider, and how to act quickly when every minute counts.
What Is Veterinary Neurology and Neurosurgery?
Veterinary neurology is the branch of medicine that treats diseases of the nervous system: the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles in pets. It encompasses common problems such as epilepsy, herniated discs, spinal and head injuries, meningitis, and cancers of the nervous system. Neurosurgery is the surgical counterpart, covering procedures like spinal decompression, craniotomy, and tumor removal.
A veterinary neurologist is a highly qualified doctor who has pursued many years of additional specialized veterinary training and dedicated their career to this branch of medicine. Because of the complex nature of neurological conditions, primary care veterinarians often refer cases to a board-certified neurologist for advanced diagnostics and treatment.
Signs Your Pet Needs a Veterinary Neurologist
Your primary care veterinarian may recommend evaluation by a specialist based on signs such as:
- Limb weakness or inability to stand, walk, or move
- Seizures or sudden collapse
- Walking in circles, staring off into space, or behavioral changes
- Cognitive decline or lack of awareness of surroundings
- Balance disorders, head tilts, or abnormal eye movements
- Unexplained pain along the spine
If your pet is too weak to support their own weight or has suffered a trauma such as being hit by a car, immediate evaluation at a 24/7 emergency veterinary hospital is vital. Progression of spinal disease can decrease surgical success rates, so timely intervention gives your pet the best chance for recovery.
Los Angeles Hospitals Offering Neurology & Neurosurgery
LAASER (Los Angeles Animal Specialty Emergency & Rehabilitation)
LAASER's Neurology and Neurosurgery service is led by Dr. Robert Powers-Davis, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology), who serves as Director of Neurology and Neurosurgery. The team also includes Dr. Kimi Sharma, VMD. Located at 2500 N San Fernando Rd in Glassell Park, LAASER is open 24/7/365 and offers in-house advanced imaging including a Siemens Avanto 1.5T MRI, a 32-slice BodyTom CT scanner, digital radiography with myelography, fluoroscopic imaging, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. The critical care team provides around-the-clock monitoring for post-surgical patients.
VCA Animal Specialty Group (Los Angeles/Glendale)
VCA Animal Specialty Group in Los Angeles has board-certified veterinary neurologists who diagnose and treat conditions using CT scans, MRIs, spinal taps, and electrical nerve testing. Their neurology department handles everything from seizure management to complex neurosurgeries, as described on the VCA ASG Neurology page.
VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital
VCA West Los Angeles offers a neurology and neurosurgery department available seven days a week. Their neurologists provide brain and spinal cord imaging including MRI, CT, ultrasound, and myelography, plus neurosurgery of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerve system, according to their neurology department overview.
ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospitals
ACCESS operates three LA County locations in Culver City, Woodland Hills, and Torrance. They offer 24/7 emergency care along with specialty services in neurology and surgery. Their neurosurgeons perform craniotomy, cranioplasty, spinal cord decompression, and stabilization procedures, as noted on the ACCESS Neurology page.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | LAASER | VCA Animal Specialty Group | VCA West LA | ACCESS Hospitals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Location(s) | Glassell Park (LA) | Los Angeles / Glendale | West Los Angeles | Culver City, Woodland Hills, Torrance |
| 24/7 Emergency | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Board-Certified Neurologist(s) | Yes (DACVIM) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| In-House MRI | Yes (1.5T Siemens) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| In-House CT | Yes (32-slice) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Neurosurgery On-Site | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rehabilitation Services | Yes | Limited | Yes | Varies by location |
Why Board Certification Matters
A board-certified veterinary neurologist is a licensed veterinarian who has obtained additional intensive training and has been certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). To become board-certified, diplomates must have completed four years of veterinary college, a one-year internship or equivalent, and two to three years in a recognized residency program, plus pass rigorous specialty examinations.
When you see DACVIM (Neurology) after a veterinarian's name, it confirms they have met all of these requirements. LAASER's neurologists are board-certified through the ACVIM and trained in both medical neurology and surgical neurology.
What to Expect at a Neurology Appointment
When you visit a veterinary neurologist, the doctor typically starts by collecting a detailed medical history. They then perform a thorough neurological examination to pinpoint whether the problem involves the brain, spinal cord, nerves, or muscles. Advanced imaging such as MRI or CT may follow, along with cerebrospinal fluid analysis if needed.
Based on findings, the neurologist will present a comprehensive treatment plan. This may include medical management, such as anti-seizure medications, or surgical intervention for conditions like disc herniations or tumors. To schedule a neurology consultation at LAASER, call 323-800-VETS (8387) or submit a request through the Pet Parent Portal.
Key Takeaways
- Several Los Angeles specialty hospitals offer veterinary neurology and neurosurgery, including LAASER, VCA Animal Specialty Group, VCA West LA, and ACCESS.
- LAASER in Glassell Park provides 24/7 emergency access with board-certified neurologists and advanced in-house imaging.
- Board certification through the ACVIM requires years of post-graduate training and rigorous examinations.
- Early intervention for neurological emergencies, especially spinal conditions, significantly improves surgical success rates.
- In-house MRI and CT capabilities allow faster diagnosis, which is critical for time-sensitive neurological cases.
- Your primary care vet can refer you to a neurologist, but emergency cases should go directly to a 24/7 hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a veterinary neurologist?
A veterinary neurologist is a licensed veterinarian who has completed additional years of specialized residency training and passed board-certification examinations through the ACVIM. They diagnose and treat conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles in animals.
When should I take my pet to a veterinary neurologist?
You should seek a neurologist if your pet shows signs such as seizures, sudden inability to walk, limb weakness, head tilts, circling behavior, or changes in mental awareness. If your pet cannot support their own weight, treat it as an emergency.
Does LAASER offer 24/7 neurological emergency care?
Yes. LAASER's emergency service is available 24/7/365 at 2500 N San Fernando Rd in Los Angeles. The neurology team sees scheduled appointments Monday through Thursday and also provides emergency coverage and consults for the critical care service.
What imaging equipment does LAASER have for neurological cases?
LAASER has a Siemens Avanto 1.5T 18-channel MRI, a 32-slice BodyTom CT scanner, digital radiography with myelography capabilities, fluoroscopic (C-arm) imaging, and in-house cerebrospinal fluid analysis.
Do I need a referral to see a veterinary neurologist?
While many pet owners receive referrals from their primary care veterinarian, LAASER also accepts emergency walk-ins. For scheduled appointments, a referral from your vet helps the neurologist prepare but is not always required. Call 323-800-VETS (8387) to confirm.
How much does a veterinary neurology consultation cost in Los Angeles?
Costs vary depending on the hospital, diagnostic tests needed, and treatment plan. A neurology consultation alone typically ranges from $250 to $500, while advanced imaging like MRI can add $2,000 to $4,000 or more. Contact your chosen hospital directly for estimates.
What is the difference between a veterinary neurologist and a veterinary surgeon?
Veterinary neurologists specialize in diseases of the nervous system and are trained in both medical management and neurosurgery. A veterinary surgeon may perform orthopedic, soft tissue, and other surgical procedures. For neurological conditions, a neurologist brings focused diagnostic expertise and surgical skill specific to the brain and spine.
Schedule a Neurology Consultation Today
If your pet is experiencing neurological symptoms, do not wait. Early evaluation by a board-certified veterinary neurologist can make the difference between recovery and irreversible damage. Contact LAASER at 323-800-VETS (8387) to schedule an appointment or bring your pet directly to our Glassell Park hospital for 24/7 emergency care. Our neurology team is here to help your pet get back on their feet.