Veterinary Neurology at SAGE
Why Neurological Care Matters
Because a pet's nervous system controls nearly everything about how they move, feel and experience the world, even a small change in behavior can signal a real problem. A dog who suddenly wobbles when walking, a cat who has a seizure, or a pet who seems disoriented or in unusual pain may be showing early signs of a neurological condition. Catching these conditions early often means more treatment options and a better outcome for your pet.
That's where SAGE can help. Our board-certified veterinary neurologists use on-site advanced imaging, including CT and MRI, so your pet can often be diagnosed and treated without being transferred elsewhere. Our neurology team also works closely with internal medicine and surgery. If your pet needs a coordinated treatment plan, that collaboration happens under one roof and not across multiple hospitals.
Conditions We Diagnose and Treat
Our neurology team diagnoses and treats a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spine, nerves and muscles, including:
Epilepsy: recurring seizures caused by abnormal brain activity, often managed with long-term medication
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD, or "slipped disc"): a bulging or ruptured disc in the spine that can cause pain, weakness, or paralysis
Meningitis: inflammation of the tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord, which can affect mobility, behavior, and comfort
Neuromuscular disease: conditions affecting the nerves and muscles that control movement, leading to weakness or difficulty walking
Brain or spinal tumors: growths that can affect coordination, behavior, or cause seizures, often requiring imaging to diagnose and a combined medical and surgical approach to treat
If your pet is showing any of these signs, our neurology team can help determine the underlying cause and the most effective path forward.
Diagnostics and Treatment Options
Diagnosing a neurological condition starts with a thorough exam and, in most cases, advanced imaging to see what's happening inside the brain or spine. At SAGE, our neurologists have access to the full range of diagnostic and treatment tools, including the following.
Electrodiagnostic testing measures electrical activity in the nerves and muscles to help diagnose neuromuscular disease
BAER hearing tests evaluate hearing function, particularly useful for puppies, breeds prone to deafness, and pre-anesthetic screening
CT and MRI imaging provide detailed views of the brain and spine to identify tumors, disc disease, inflammation, and other structural issues
Surgical treatment includes IVDD surgery, tumor removal, Chiari malformation correction, and spinal fracture repair, performed in close coordination with our surgery team when surgery is the recommended course of action
Many pets can be treated successfully with medication, rehabilitation, or a combination of approaches. Your SAGE neurologist will walk you through the diagnostic findings and recommend the treatment plan best suited to your pet's specific condition.
Neurology services are offered in Concord by Dr. Croix Griffin, Campbell by Dr. Christina Vitale, San Francisco by Dr. John Macri, and in Redwood City by Dr. Vivian Lau.
Frequently Asked Questions About Veterinary Neurology
Answers to common questions pet owners ask about neurological signs, MRI availability, and treatment at SAGE.
What are signs my dog needs to see a neurologist?
Signs that your dog may need a neurology evaluation include seizures, wobbling or loss of coordination, dragging a limb or paw, sudden weakness or paralysis, a head tilt, unusual eye movements, disorientation, or a noticeable change in behavior or bladder control. These signs can appear suddenly or develop gradually, and they don't always mean the same thing. This is why an evaluation by a board-certified neurologist, often using imaging like CT or MRI, is the most reliable way to identify the cause and start the right treatment.
Is a slipped disc in dogs treatable?
Yes. Intervertebral disc disease, or a "slipped disc," is one of the most common neurological conditions we treat, and most dogs respond well to treatment when it's caught early. Depending on severity, treatment may involve strict rest and medication or surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. Our neurologists use CT or MRI imaging to determine the extent of the disc disease and recommend the treatment approach most likely to restore comfort and mobility.
Do all SAGE locations offer MRI?
All SAGE hospitals have a CT scanner for imaging patients. SAGE has also partnered with AnimalScan to bring on-site MRI services to our Campbell and Redwood City facilities. Contact your nearest SAGE location directly to confirm on-site imaging availability before your visit.
Which SAGE Veterinary Centers have Neurology?
Neurology services are currently offered at our Campbell, Concord, Redwood City and San Francisco hospitals. Each location is staffed by board-certified neurologists and supported by advanced imaging and specialist collaboration. Visit our locations page to find the SAGE hospital nearest to you and confirm neurology availability and scheduling.