Pet Neurology

Brewer Veterinary Clinic practices veterinary neurology services in Brewer, ME, to help identify and manage conditions affecting the nervous system in dogs and cats. We’re here to bring clarity and direction to some of the most complex and concerning health situations pet owners face.

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What Is Veterinary Neurology?

The nervous system—encompassing the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves—controls nearly every function of your pet’s body. When something goes wrong in this system, the effects can range from subtle behavioral changes to sudden, dramatic shifts in mobility, coordination, or consciousness. Veterinary neurology focuses on the diagnosis and management of these conditions, helping to identify what’s happening neurologically and determine the most appropriate path forward.

At Brewer Veterinary Clinic, our team is experienced in performing neurological evaluations and recognizing conditions that require further workup or specialist involvement. For cases requiring the expertise of a board-certified veterinary neurologist, we maintain strong referral relationships and will coordinate that process to ensure your pet receives the level of care their condition demands.

What Pet Neurology Services Include

Neurological care begins with a thorough evaluation to characterize your pet’s symptoms and localize the area of concern within the nervous system. Our neurology services may include:

A comprehensive neurological examination assessing mental status, posture, gait, reflexes, cranial nerve function, and pain response
In-house diagnostics such as bloodwork and urinalysis to rule out metabolic or systemic conditions that can mimic neurological disease
Diagnostic imaging such as X-ray and ultrasound to evaluate for structural abnormalities, spinal changes, or related concerns
Assessment and management of seizure disorders, including discussion of anti-epileptic medication options where appropriate
Pain assessment and management for pets with suspected spinal pain or intervertebral disc disease

Our team will work methodically through your pet’s presentation, explain our findings clearly, and help you understand the most appropriate next steps—whether that means managing a condition in-house or facilitating access to specialized neurological care. Depending on your pet’s needs, we may also recommend internal medicine services or surgical care to support their well-being.

Why Pet Neurological Care Matters

Neurological conditions can progress quickly and have a significant impact on your pet’s comfort, mobility, and quality of life. Seeking prompt evaluation when neurological signs appear allows us to:

Differentiate between conditions that can be managed medically and those that require surgical or specialist intervention

Begin seizure management early, reducing the risk of injury and long-term neurological damage associated with uncontrolled seizure activity

Address spinal pain and mobility issues before they worsen, preserving your pet’s function and comfort

Rule out systemic or metabolic conditions—such as liver disease, electrolyte imbalances, or toxin exposure—that can present with neurological signs

Neurological symptoms in pets can be alarming to witness, and knowing what to do in those moments is not always straightforward. Our team is here to help you navigate those situations with calm, informed guidance—from the first phone call through every step of evaluation and care.

Thoughtful Neurological Evaluation in the Greater Bangor Area

Brewer Veterinary Clinic has been a cornerstone of veterinary care in the Brewer community since 1979, and our team brings decades of experience to the evaluation and initial management of neurological conditions in dogs and cats.

When the complexity of a case calls for the expertise of a specialist, we work closely with trusted veterinary neurology referral centers to ensure continuity of care and a smooth transition. As an AAHA-accredited practice, we uphold rigorous standards for patient evaluation and care quality across every case we manage—including those involving the nervous system.

FAQs About Pet Neurology

What are the signs that my pet may have a neurological problem?

Common signs include seizures or convulsions, loss of balance or coordination, sudden difficulty walking or weakness in one or more limbs, head tilting or abnormal eye movements, changes in behavior or mental alertness, loss of bladder or bowel control, and signs of neck or back pain such as reluctance to move, crying out, or a hunched posture. Any sudden or unexplained neurological symptom warrants prompt veterinary evaluation.

What should I do if my pet has a seizure?

Stay calm and keep yourself and others away from your pet’s mouth—pets are not aware of their surroundings during a seizure and may bite unintentionally. Do not restrain your pet, but gently prevent them from falling or injuring themselves. Note the time the seizure starts and ends, and contact us as soon as it is over. If a seizure lasts longer than five minutes or your pet has multiple seizures in a short period, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

Can seizures in pets be controlled with medication?

Many pets with epilepsy or seizure disorders can achieve good control with anti-epileptic medications. The goal of treatment is to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures while maintaining your pet’s quality of life. Medication adjustments may be needed over time, and regular monitoring is an important part of long-term seizure management.

What is intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), and is it common?

IVDD is one of the most common neurological conditions in dogs, occurring when one or more of the discs between the vertebrae rupture or bulge and compress the spinal cord. It can cause pain, weakness, and in severe cases, paralysis. Certain breeds—including Dachshunds, Beagles, and French Bulldogs—are particularly predisposed. Treatment ranges from rest and pain management to surgical decompression, depending on severity.

When does my pet need a referral to a veterinary neurologist?

We will recommend a referral to a board-certified pet neurologist when advanced diagnostics—such as MRI or CT imaging, or cerebrospinal fluid analysis—are needed to reach a definitive diagnosis, or when surgical intervention is required. We will explain our reasoning clearly and help coordinate the referral process so your pet’s care continues without unnecessary delays.

Experienced, Caring Support for Neurological Concerns

At Brewer Veterinary Clinic, our team approaches every neurological case with the thoroughness, honesty, and compassion that complex situations demand. Families across Penobscot County rely on us as a trusted first point of contact when neurological concerns arise, and we take that responsibility seriously.