NEUROLOGY – Veterinary Neurology & MRI at Mount Laurel Animal Hospital

At Mount Laurel Animal Hospital in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, our Veterinary Neurology service provides advanced diagnosis and treatment for disorders of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. Neurological conditions can appear suddenly and often cause alarming symptoms such as seizures, paralysis, severe pain, or difficulty walking. Our neurology team, led by a board-certified neurologist, offers the specialized expertise needed to evaluate these complex cases with precision, compassion, and urgency.

Veterinary neurology requires extensive training beyond veterinary school—including internships, residencies, and rigorous board examinations through the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). This highly specialized background allows our neurologist to diagnose intricate neurological diseases and offer both medical and surgical treatments, including advanced imaging and neurosurgical procedures. Pets throughout South Jersey, who experience sudden neurological decline or chronic neurological issues, benefit greatly from this level of comprehensive care.

Why Veterinary Neurology Is Essential

Neurological diseases can affect pets of any age and may develop rapidly or progress gradually. Because symptoms often resemble orthopedic, metabolic, or systemic disorders, accurate diagnosis requires a neurologist’s detailed evaluation.

Our neurology team is experienced in diagnosing and treating conditions including:

  • Neck and back pain
  • Medical & Surgical treatment of spinal disorders (Intervertebral disk herniation, FCE, ANNPE, HNPE, congenital anomalies, diskospondylitis, tumors, and others)
  • Seizure disorders and treatment
  • Brain disorders (GME/MUE, infectious meningitis/encephalitis, congenital anomalies, metabolic encephalopathies, and others)
  • Vestibular/balance disorders
  • Movement disorders
  • Neuromuscular disease
  • Sleep disorders
  • Degenerative neurological conditions

Whether your pet is experiencing a sudden inability to stand or chronic neurological changes, early evaluation by a veterinary neurologist significantly improves outcomes.

Neurological Evaluation Process

Every neurology appointment begins with a thorough review of your pet’s medical history followed by an in-depth neurological examination. The exam is designed to localize the problem within the nervous system—brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves—which guides the next steps of diagnosis.

Based on exam findings, our neurologist may recommend:

  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
  • CT scan
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tap and analysis
  • Bloodwork
  • Infectious disease testing
  • Electromyography (EMG) or nerve testing
  • Advanced imaging for surgical planning

These tools allow us to diagnose neurological diseases with accuracy and develop targeted treatment plans.

Advanced MRI Imaging

Mount Laurel Animal Hospital proudly offers on-site, high-field MRI—one of the most advanced tools for diagnosing neurological disease in pets.

MRI provides:

  • Faster scan times
  • High-resolution images
  • Accurate identification of spinal and brain abnormalities
  • Essential pre-surgical imaging for conditions like IVDD or brain tumors

This level of imaging allows our neurology team to identify subtle lesions, inflammation, tumors, or spinal compression that may not be visible on X-rays or CT scans.

Treatment Options

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include:

  • Medical management such as anti-seizure medications or steroids
  • Pain control
  • Physical rehabilitation
  • Antibiotics or antifungal therapy for infectious disease
  • Immunosuppressive therapy
  • Neurosurgery for spinal or brain conditions
  • Long-term management plans for chronic neurological disease

Collaboration With Hospital Specialists

Our neurologist will review all treatment options with you and help determine the best plan for your pet and family.

Neurological patients often require care from multiple departments. Our neurology service collaborates closely with:

  • Surgery
  • Critical Care
  • Internal Medicine
  • Oncology
  • Radiology & MRI
  • Anesthesiology
  • Emergency services

This ensures that every patient—especially those needing surgery, hospitalization, or intensive monitoring—receives cohesive, coordinated care.

Neurology Care for Pets Across South Jersey

Families throughout Mount Laurel, Cherry Hill, Moorestown, Voorhees, and the greater South Jersey region trust our Veterinary Neurology service for expert evaluation, advanced imaging, and comprehensive neurosurgical care. From seizures to spinal injury, our neurology team is here to provide clear answers, compassionate support, and advanced treatment options that give pets the best chance of recovery.

Mount Laurel Animal Hospital is proud to offer one of New Jersey’s leading Veterinary Neurology and MRI programs—bringing world-class neurological care to the pets who need it most.

MLAH TTischio Neurology

Dr. Tara Tischio
Neurology Department Head
FULL BIO