Advanced Diagnostics - Bush Veterinary Neurology Service

An important aspect of providing a safe, rapid, and accurate diagnosis is onsite access to advanced imaging and diagnostics. These procedures and tests are essential to providing an accurate diagnosis and they play a key role in developing a treatment plan for our patients. This is why we provide the accepted standard for human and veterinary neurology, onsite access to MRI, at all locations. Learn more about our other advanced diagnostics below.

*Starred items are only available at certain locations. Please call for availability and scheduling information.

Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response Testing (BAER)*

To detect whether a patient has hearing loss, BAER measures brain wave activity in response to clicks or certain tones.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Collection & Analysis

The collection of a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) under general anesthesia via a very small needle. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is found within the brain and in the space surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This space is known as the subarachnoid space. CSF’s main function is to provide a cushion to protect the brain and spinal cord.CSF is removed from the spinal canal and analyzed for infection, inflammation, and certain diseases. We often use our MRI or CT images to decide whether performing a spinal tap will be a helpful additional diagnostic tool while your pet is under anesthesia.

Computed Tomography (CT Scan)*

You may know that an X-ray is a two-dimensional picture created from ionizing radiation. A CT scan is a three-dimensional representation of an object formed from a series of two-dimensional X-rays. CT uses a rotating X-ray tube to also take very thin “slices” though an object, adding the dimension of depth.

CT Myelogram*

A myelogram is a radiographic examination that uses a contrast medium to detect spinal cord pathology, including the location of a spinal cord injury, cyst, or tumor.

Electroencephalography (EEG)

An EEG measures the brain’s electrical activity through small, metal electrodes attached to the scalp.

Electromyography (EMG)

Electromyography evaluates and records the electrical activity the skeletal muscle produces.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Unlike X-rays and CT, MRI does not use ionizing radiation. Instead, it uses magnetic fields and pulses of radio waves to temporarily and harmlessly energize molecules in your pet’s body. As they relax, these energized molecules give off a signal that’s made into an image. MRI allows us to image patients in all three dimensions in very thin slices, giving us a remarkable representation of your pet’s anatomy and any pathology that is present. BVNS offers on-site MRI at our locations.

Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV)

NCV measures an electrical impulse’s conduction speed through a nerve.

Spinal Radiography

Spinal X-rays can detect fractures, bony tumors, arthritis, and disc infections.

Refer a patient

To refer a client to one of our hospitals, you may use our online referral form, or you may also print out a PDF version of this form and fax it to an office. If you would like to consult with a specialist by phone, please call one of our hospitals.

Refer a Patient

Request an Appointment

To best streamline your pet’s care at BVNS, we need some helpful details from you first. Please use the button below to complete our appointment request form. If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to one of our locations directly.

Request an Appointment