Los Angeles Animal Hospitals That Offer Neurology and Neurosurgery
When your dog or cat shows signs of a neurological problem, such as seizures, sudden inability to walk, or unexplained behavior changes, finding a qualified veterinary neurologist in Los Angeles quickly can make all the difference. Veterinary neurology is the branch of medicine that treats diseases of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles in pets. Several specialty hospitals across the LA area offer board-certified neurological care, but they differ in availability, imaging technology, and whether they provide around-the-clock emergency support. This guide breaks down the top options so you can make the best choice for your pet.
What Is Veterinary Neurology and Neurosurgery?
Veterinary neurology is a specialized discipline focused on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscles of companion animals. A veterinary neurologist is a highly qualified doctor who has pursued many years of additional specialized training and has dedicated their career to this branch of medicine. Common conditions treated include epilepsy, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), brain tumors, spinal cord injuries, and meningitis.
Neurosurgery is the surgical counterpart, covering procedures like spinal decompression, craniotomy, skull fracture repair, and shunt implantation. At hospitals like LAASER's neurology and neurosurgery department, the neurologist is trained in both medical neurology and surgical neurology, meaning your pet can receive a complete continuum of care in one location.
Signs Your Pet Needs a Veterinary Neurologist
Your primary care veterinarian may recommend a neurology referral based on specific symptoms. According to LAASER's neurology service page, warning signs include:
- Limb weakness or inability to stand, walk, or move limbs
- Seizures or episodes of collapse
- Behavior changes such as walking in circles or staring off into space
- Changes in mental status, including cognitive decline or lack of awareness
- Head tilting, abnormal eye movements, or loss of balance
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 is critical. Progression of spinal disease can reduce surgical success rates, so timely intervention gives your pet the best chance at recovery.
Los Angeles Hospitals Offering Neurology and Neurosurgery
LAASER (Los Angeles Animal Specialty Emergency & Rehabilitation)
LAASER is a multi-specialty and emergency veterinary hospital located at 2500 N San Fernando Rd in the Glassell Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. The hospital is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Its neurology department is led by Dr. Robert Powers-Davis, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology), a board-certified veterinary neurologist with extensive training in both medical neurology and neurosurgery.
LAASER's in-house imaging suite includes a Siemens Avanto 1.5T MRI, a 32-slice BodyTom CT scanner, digital radiography with myelography, C-arm fluoroscopy, and Canon Aplio ultrasound with transcranial capability. The neurology team sees appointments Monday through Thursday and also provides emergency neurology coverage. Because LAASER has board-certified emergency and critical care specialists on staff around the clock, pets with acute neurological emergencies can be stabilized immediately.
VCA Animal Specialty Group
VCA Animal Specialty Group in Los Angeles offers board-certified veterinary neurologists who use CT scans, MRIs, spinal taps, and electrodiagnostics to evaluate neurological conditions. Their neurology department handles everything from seizure management to complex neurosurgery, including herniated disc repair and brain tumor treatment. Urgent cases can contact VCA ASG directly at (818) 244-7977.
ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospitals
ACCESS operates three locations across LA County: Culver City, Woodland Hills, and Torrance. Their neurology services include advanced diagnostics and neurosurgery performed by board-certified neurologists. ACCESS also offers 24/7 emergency care at each location.
VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital
VCA West Los Angeles features a neurology and neurosurgery department available seven days a week. Their neurologists provide thorough neurological examinations, MRI and CT imaging, spinal fluid analysis, and neurosurgical procedures covering the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
Hospital Comparison Table
| Hospital | Location | 24/7 Emergency | In-House MRI | In-House CT | Board-Certified Neurologist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAASER | Glassell Park, LA | Yes | 1.5T Siemens MRI | 32-Slice CT | Yes (DACVIM) |
| VCA Animal Specialty Group | Los Angeles | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (DACVIM) |
| ACCESS Hospitals | Culver City, Woodland Hills, Torrance | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| VCA West Los Angeles | West LA | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (DACVIM) |
What to Expect During a Neurology Visit
A neurology consultation typically begins with a detailed medical history review, followed by a specialized neurological examination. This exam helps the neurologist pinpoint whether the problem originates in the brain, spinal cord, nerves, or muscles. Based on findings, advanced diagnostics such as MRI, CT, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, or electrodiagnostic testing may be recommended.
If surgery is indicated, procedures can range from spinal decompression for disc herniation to craniotomy for brain tumors. At LAASER, post-surgical patients benefit from on-site critical care monitoring and access to rehabilitation and integrative medicine services to support recovery.
Why Board Certification Matters
A DACVIM (Neurology) credential is the gold standard in veterinary neurology. According to the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM), board-certified veterinary specialists complete an internship and residency in their specialized field, representing an additional three to five years of training beyond veterinary school. They must also pass rigorous certification examinations.
When choosing a neurologist for your pet, always verify board certification. LAASER's neurologists hold the DACVIM (Neurology) credential through the ACVIM, which is the certifying body recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) since 1980.
Key Takeaways
- Several Los Angeles specialty hospitals offer veterinary neurology and neurosurgery performed by board-certified neurologists.
- LAASER in Glassell Park provides 24/7 emergency access alongside dedicated neurology services with advanced 1.5T MRI and 32-slice CT imaging.
- Signs that warrant a neurology referral include seizures, sudden limb weakness, behavior changes, and trauma.
- Board certification through the ACVIM (DACVIM credential) requires years of post-graduate training and rigorous examinations.
- Timely intervention for spinal conditions is critical because delays can reduce surgical success rates.
- Look for hospitals that offer both emergency and specialty neurology under one roof for seamless care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a veterinary neurologist?
A veterinary neurologist is a licensed veterinarian who has completed additional intensive training, typically a three-year residency after internship, and has been certified by the ACVIM to specialize in diseases of the nervous system in animals.
How do I know if my pet needs a neurologist?
Common signs include seizures, sudden inability to walk, limb weakness, head tilting, disorientation, and behavior changes. Your primary care veterinarian can help determine whether a neurology referral is appropriate.
Does LAASER offer emergency neurology services?
Yes. LAASER is open 24/7/365 with board-certified emergency veterinarians on staff at all times. The neurology team provides emergency coverage and can be consulted by the emergency service when neurological cases arrive after hours.
What imaging equipment does LAASER have for neurology?
LAASER's neurology department uses a Siemens Avanto 1.5T 18-channel MRI, a 32-slice BodyTom CT scanner, digital radiography with myelography, C-arm fluoroscopy, and Canon Aplio ultrasound with transcranial capability.
Do I need a referral to see a veterinary neurologist?
While many pet owners are referred by their primary care veterinarian, you can also contact LAASER directly to schedule a neurology consultation or bring your pet through the emergency service if urgent care is needed.
How much does a veterinary neurology consultation cost in Los Angeles?
Costs vary by hospital and the complexity of the case. A neurology consultation typically includes a physical exam, neurological examination, and a treatment plan. Advanced diagnostics like MRI or CT scanning are additional. Contact the hospital directly for current pricing.
What is the difference between neurology and neurosurgery?
Neurology is the medical discipline focused on diagnosing and managing nervous system conditions. Neurosurgery is the surgical treatment of those conditions, such as spinal decompression or brain tumor removal. Many veterinary neurologists are trained in both.
Which Los Angeles vet hospital has the best neurology department?
The best choice depends on your pet's specific needs. LAASER offers the advantage of 24/7 emergency care integrated with a dedicated neurology service, advanced in-house imaging, and board-certified specialists across multiple disciplines, all in one Glassell Park location.
Schedule a Neurology Consultation at LAASER
If your pet is showing neurological symptoms or you have been referred by your veterinarian, do not delay. Call LAASER at 323-800-VETS (8387) or submit an appointment request online. Our board-certified neurology team is ready to help your pet get back on their feet.