When your dog or cat shows signs of seizures, sudden paralysis, or difficulty walking, every minute counts. Veterinary neurology is a specialized branch of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating diseases of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles in animals. Finding a hospital in Los Angeles that offers both neurology and neurosurgery under one roof can mean faster diagnosis, better surgical outcomes, and smoother recovery. This guide lists the top LA-area hospitals with dedicated neurology departments so you can make the right call when it matters most.
What Is Veterinary Neurology?
Veterinary neurology is the specialty that focuses on conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, muscles, and nerves of animals. A veterinary neurologist is a doctor who has completed four years of veterinary school, a one-year rotating internship, and a rigorous two-to-three-year residency program before passing board certification exams through the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM).
Neurosurgery is the surgical component of this discipline and includes procedures on the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Many board-certified veterinary neurologists are trained in both medical neurology and neurosurgery, allowing them to diagnose a condition and perform corrective surgery within the same team.
When Should Your Pet See a Veterinary Neurologist?
Your primary care veterinarian may recommend a neurology referral if your pet exhibits any of the following signs:
- Seizures or sudden collapse
- Limb weakness or inability to stand and walk
- Loss of balance, head tilt, or circling
- Behavior changes such as staring into space or cognitive decline
- Acute onset of paralysis, especially in the hind limbs
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is the most common spinal cord problem in dogs, and delays in treatment can reduce surgical success rates. If your pet cannot support its own weight or take more than a few steps, it should be evaluated by a veterinary neurologist immediately.
Los Angeles Hospitals Offering Neurology & Neurosurgery
LAASER (Los Angeles Animal Specialty Emergency & Rehabilitation)
Located in the Glassell Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, LAASER is a 24/7 emergency and specialty hospital whose neurology and neurosurgery team is led by board-certified veterinary neurologist Dr. Robert Powers-Davis, DACVIM (Neurology). The department sees appointments Monday through Thursday and also provides consults for the hospital's critical care and emergency services. LAASER's in-house equipment includes a 32-slice CT scanner, digital radiography with myelography, and fluoroscopic imaging, enabling rapid diagnosis and same-facility surgery.
VCA Animal Specialty Group (Los Angeles / Glendale)
VCA Animal Specialty Group employs board-certified veterinary neurologists who use CT scans, MRIs, spinal taps, and electrical nerve testing to diagnose a wide range of neurological conditions. They offer treatments from seizure management to complex neurosurgeries such as herniated disc repair and brain tumor removal.
ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospitals
ACCESS operates three locations across LA County: Culver City, Woodland Hills, and Torrance. Their neurology and neurosurgery services include craniotomy, cranioplasty, spinal cord decompression, spinal stabilization, and shunt implantation. ACCESS Pasadena also recently began accepting neurology appointments.
Metropolitan Animal Specialty Hospital (MASH)
MASH offers neurology as a specialty service headed by Dr. Jeremy O'Neill, available Monday through Friday. Their neurologists handle conditions of the brain, spinal cord, muscles, and nerves, and are trained in neurological surgeries involving the spine and brain.
Hospital Comparison Table
| Hospital | Location(s) | ER Availability | Neurology Days | In-House Advanced Imaging |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAASER | Glassell Park, LA | 24/7/365 | Mon–Thu | CT, MRI, fluoroscopy |
| VCA Animal Specialty Group | Los Angeles / Glendale | Yes | Contact for schedule | CT, MRI |
| ACCESS Specialty Hospitals | Culver City, Woodland Hills, Torrance | 24/7 | Contact for schedule | CT, MRI, ultrasound |
| MASH | Los Angeles | Yes | Mon–Fri | Contact for details |
What to Expect During a Neurology Visit
A neurological examination is a systematic evaluation that typically proceeds from head to tail. The neurologist will collect a detailed medical history, then assess your pet's mental status, gait, body posture, cranial nerve function, and response to pain. Advanced diagnostics such as MRI, CT, or cerebrospinal fluid analysis may follow.
At LAASER, the neurology team performs a specialized neurology-specific examination and then discusses diagnostic options, prognosis, and treatment plans with the pet owner. Because LAASER also offers surgery, internal medicine, and cardiology under one roof, cross-departmental collaboration happens seamlessly.
How to Choose the Right Hospital
Board Certification Matters
Always confirm that the neurologist holds DACVIM (Neurology) credentials. This designation means the doctor has completed an accredited residency and passed rigorous board exams administered by the ACVIM.
Emergency Access Is Critical
Neurological emergencies such as status epilepticus or acute disc herniation require immediate intervention. Choosing a hospital with a 24/7 emergency department, like LAASER, ensures your pet can be stabilized and treated without transfer delays.
In-House Imaging Saves Time
Hospitals with on-site CT and MRI can move from diagnosis to surgery in hours rather than days. This speed is especially important for progressive spinal conditions where delays can worsen outcomes.
Key Takeaways
- Veterinary neurology covers conditions of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles in dogs and cats.
- Board-certified veterinary neurologists (DACVIM) complete years of post-graduate training beyond veterinary school.
- Several Los Angeles hospitals offer neurology and neurosurgery, including LAASER, VCA Animal Specialty Group, ACCESS, and MASH.
- LAASER in Glassell Park provides 24/7 emergency care alongside dedicated neurology appointments Monday through Thursday.
- In-house advanced imaging (CT, MRI) at the same facility as neurosurgery reduces delays and improves outcomes.
- Signs like seizures, sudden paralysis, or inability to walk warrant immediate neurological evaluation.
- Progressive spinal conditions such as IVDD can deteriorate quickly, making timely referral essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a veterinary neurologist?
A veterinary neurologist is a specialist who has completed veterinary school, a rotating internship, and a two-to-three-year residency focused on the nervous system. They are board-certified through the ACVIM and trained in diagnosing and treating conditions of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles.
How do I know if my pet needs a neurologist?
Common signs include seizures, limb weakness, loss of balance, head tilt, circling, sudden paralysis, and behavior changes such as confusion or cognitive decline. Your primary veterinarian can help determine if a referral is appropriate.
Does LAASER offer neurology and neurosurgery?
Yes. LAASER's neurology and neurosurgery department is led by Dr. Robert Powers-Davis, a DACVIM board-certified neurologist. The team sees appointments Monday through Thursday and is available for emergency consults through the hospital's 24/7 ER.
What imaging technology is used for neurological diagnosis?
Veterinary neurologists commonly use MRI, CT scans, digital radiography with myelography, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. LAASER's in-house equipment includes a 32-slice CT scanner and fluoroscopic imaging for rapid diagnosis.
How much does a veterinary neurology consultation cost?
Costs vary by hospital and case complexity. An initial consultation can start above $100, but advanced diagnostics like MRI and surgical procedures will increase the total. Contact the hospital directly for an estimate specific to your pet's condition.
Can neurological emergencies be treated at LAASER after hours?
Yes. LAASER's emergency department is open 24/7/365. On days the neurology team is not on-site, the emergency service is trained to evaluate neurological cases and consult the neurology team when needed.
What is IVDD in dogs?
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is the most common spinal cord problem in dogs. It occurs when the cushioning discs between vertebrae bulge or rupture, compressing the spinal cord. Prompt surgical intervention is often needed to prevent permanent damage.
Do I need a referral to see a veterinary neurologist?
While referrals from a primary care veterinarian are common, many specialty hospitals accept direct appointments. Contact LAASER's pet owner resources page or call 323-800-VETS (8387) to schedule.
Get Your Pet the Expert Neurological Care They Deserve
If your pet is showing signs of a neurological condition, do not wait. Early evaluation by a board-certified veterinary neurologist can make the difference between full recovery and permanent impairment. Contact LAASER at 323-800-VETS (8387) or request an appointment online to connect with our neurology and neurosurgery team in Los Angeles.