As pet owners, we know our companions’ quirks inside and out—the way they greet us, their favorite napping spot, the sound of their bark or meow. So when something suddenly changes, it’s alarming.
You might notice your dog stumbling, your cat seeming “lost” in a familiar room, or a sudden, frightening seizure. It’s easy to brush off subtle changes as “just old age,” but often, these are clear signals from your pet’s nervous system that something is wrong.
Your primary veterinarian is your pet’s first line of defense. But just as you might see a human specialist for a heart problem, pets sometimes need a specialist for their brain, spinal cord, and nerves. This is where a veterinary neurologist comes in.
It can be a scary word, but knowing when you need one is the first step to getting your best friend the help they need.
What is a Board-Certified Veterinary Neurologist?
First, let’s demystify the title. A board-certified veterinary neurologist is a doctor who has completed extensive, advanced training (typically 3-4 years of residency after veterinary school) focused exclusively on the nervous system.
This complex system—the brain, spinal cord, and all the nerves connecting them—controls everything from balance and movement to behavior and basic bodily functions. When it’s not working right, the signs can be dramatic and confusing.
A neurologist has the expertise and specialized diagnostic tools, like MRI and CT scanning, to pinpoint the exact location and cause of the problem.
6 Key Signs Your Pet Needs a Neurologist
If your dog or cat shows any of the following signs, it’s time to talk to your veterinarian about a referral to a neurology specialist.
1. Seizures
This is the most common reason pets see a neurologist. A seizure isn’t just the dramatic, full-body convulsion (a “grand mal” seizure) most people picture.
Watch for:
- Collapsing, shaking, and paddling limbs
- Loss of consciousness
- Sudden “fly-biting” at the air
- “Zoning out,” staring blankly, or acting dazed (these are called focal or “petit mal” seizures)
- Uncontrolled twitching of the face or one limb
A single seizure always warrants a veterinary visit. Multiple seizures, or a seizure lasting more than 3-5 minutes, is a life-threatening emergency.
2. Balance Problems (Ataxia)
You might describe your pet as “drunk” or wobbly. This loss of coordination, called ataxia, points to a problem in the brain (specifically the cerebellum) or the vestibular system (the inner ear’s balance center).
Watch for:
- Stumbling or swaying
- Unsteady, “drunken” walk
- Dragging toes or “knuckling” (walking on the top of their paw)
- Unwillingness to jump on or off furniture
3. Head Tilt and/or Circling
This is one of the most distinct neurological signs. It’s often related to “vestibular disease,” which can be caused by anything from an inner ear infection to a brain tumor.
Watch for:
- A persistent, noticeable tilt of the head to one side
- Walking in tight circles, always in the same direction
- Rapid, involuntary eye-flicking (called nystagmus)
- Sudden nausea and vomiting (from dizziness)
4. Sudden Weakness or Paralysis
This is one of the most urgent signs. A sudden inability to move one or more limbs can indicate a serious spinal cord issue, like a “slipped disc” (IVDD), a blood clot (FATE in cats), or a spinal tumor.
Watch for:
- Dragging the back legs
- Inability to get up from a lying position
- Collapsing after only a few steps
- A “limp” tail
- Incontinence (losing control of bladder or bowels)
If your pet suddenly cannot walk, this is an emergency. Time is critical for preserving nerve function.
5. Signs of Pain
This one is often subtle. Pets are masters at hiding pain. Neurological pain is often related to the neck or back (e.g., a pinched nerve or inflamed disc).
Watch for:
- Yelping when picked up or petted
- Holding their head low or refusing to turn their neck
- A “hunched” or tense posture
- Unwillingness to go up or down stairs
- Crying out for no apparent reason
6. Behavioral or Cognitive Changes
While some cognitive decline is normal in senior pets, sudden or severe changes are not. They can indicate a brain tumor, inflammation, or cognitive dysfunction.
Watch for:
- Getting “stuck” in corners or behind furniture
- Seeming lost or confused in your own home
- Loss of house-training
- No longer responding to their name or familiar commands
- New, unexplained anxiety or aggression
Your Partner in Neurological Care: The MVA Team
Seeing any of these signs in your pet is frightening. You’re not overreacting, and you’re not alone.
At Metro Vet (MVA), our specialty neurology departments in Norristown and Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, are equipped with the advanced diagnostics and expert team needed to solve these complex cases. When you are referred to us, we become a partner to you and your primary veterinarian. We’ll use a combination of a detailed physical exam, advanced imaging (like our on-site MRI), and other tests to get a precise diagnosis.
From there, we’ll create a compassionate, comprehensive treatment plan that may include medication, physical therapy, or surgery, with the single goal of giving your pet the best quality of life possible.
If you recognize these symptoms in your pet, don’t “wait and see.” Talk to your veterinarian today about a referral to the MVA neurology team.