![\"sick](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Example-of-Magnetic-Resonance-Imaging-MRI-9.png\")
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When a pet owner suspects that a pet has a neurologic disease, it can be a very scary time. However<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0remember that even if neurologic signs are severe, they\u00a0<\/span>don\u2019t<\/span>\u00a0necessarily correlate with your pet\u2019s ability to get better!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>For pets facing possible neurologic problems, the best way pet parents can\u00a0<\/span>begin to\u00a0<\/span>help is\u00a0<\/span>to work with a veterinary team to find a diagnosis.\u00a0<\/span>Here is<\/span>\u00a0a breakdown of what pet parents can expect from this process<\/span>.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n First off,\u00a0it is\u00a0important to\u00a0recognize the warning signs.\u00a0Common signs\u00a0that your pet may have a nervous system issue\u00a0include:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you notice any of the<\/span>\u00a0above<\/span>\u00a0signs, it\u2019s time for your family veterinarian to evaluate your pet. If it is the middle of the night and your veterinarian is closed, it would be appropriate to seek care at an emergency facility. Based on the veterinarian\u2019s evaluation (which will include a complete neurologic examination), they may recommend the following:\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n An example of MRI results.<\/p><\/div>\n If your pet is evaluated by a neurologist and further information is needed, the neurologist may recommend:<\/span><\/p>\n Our Neurology team performing a spinal tap.<\/p><\/div>\n Depending on the MRI results, a spinal tap may also be needed to evaluate the pet\u2019s spinal fluid. A spinal tap is the gold standard test to evaluate for evidence of inflammation of the nervous system, such as meningitis.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Based on\u00a0<\/span>all<\/span>\u00a0the diagnostic test results, a treatment plan will be made for your pet to give them the best chance for a successful outcome.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If your pet is showing signs of a neurologic problem, consult with your family veterinarian or your local animal emergency hospital. If a consultation with a board-certified neurologist is recommended, ask about a referral to Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Neurology Service<\/span><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nRecognize the\u00a0<\/span>Warning Signs<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
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![\"dog,](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Example-of-Magnetic-Resonance-Imaging-MRI-8.png\")
<\/p>\nVisit the Vet\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n
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![\"MRI,](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Example-of-Magnetic-Resonance-Imaging-MRI-5.png\")
<\/p>\nVisit a\u00a0<\/span>Board-Certified Neurologist<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
![\"MRI,](\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/mri_neurology-blog-1-300x168.png\")
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![\"dog,](\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/neuro-blog-1-289x300.png\")
![\"Missy](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/BLOG-Author-Block-20.png\")
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