Veterinary Neurologist Course

Lesson 1 • Neurophysiology and Signal Transmission

Explains action potentials, synaptic transmission, and reflex arcs. Connects cellular physiology to observable clinical signs.

Lesson 2 • Functional Neuroanatomy of Motor Systems

Maps upper and lower motor neuron pathways and their clinical significance. Enables accurate lesion localization from motor deficits.

Lesson 3 • Sensory System Anatomy and Pathways

Covers proprioception, pain, and special sense pathways from receptor to cortex. Grounds sensory testing in anatomical understanding.

Lesson 4 • Neurovascular Anatomy and Blood-Brain Barrier

Details cerebral blood supply, venous drainage, and barrier function. Provides the basis for understanding ischemic and inflammatory neurological disease.

Lesson 1 • Lesion Localization Framework

Integrates examination findings into a systematic lesion localization algorithm. Accurate localization directs imaging choices and differential diagnosis lists.

Lesson 2 • Spinal Reflex Testing

Demonstrates patellar, withdrawal, perineal, and cutaneous trunci reflexes with grading scales. Reflex grades localize lesions to specific spinal cord segments.

Lesson 3 • Mental Status and Cranial Nerve Evaluation

Teaches assessment of mentation, behavior, and all twelve cranial nerve functions. Cranial nerve deficits localize lesions to the brainstem or peripheral nerves.

Lesson 4 • Patient History and Signalment Assessment

Structures the neurological history intake to identify onset, progression, and breed predispositions. Accurate history guides examination focus and differential prioritization.

Lesson 5 • Pain Perception and Nociception Testing

Explains superficial and deep pain assessment methods and their prognostic significance. Deep pain status is the critical prognostic indicator in spinal cord injury.

Lesson 1 • Systematic Brain MRI Interpretation

Applies a structured review protocol to brain MRI studies across all regions. Systematic review prevents missed lesions and supports accurate diagnosis.

Lesson 2 • MRI Physics and Sequence Selection

Explains T1, T2, FLAIR, and diffusion-weighted sequences and their tissue contrast properties. Sequence selection determines lesion visibility and characterization accuracy.

Lesson 3 • CT Imaging for Neurological Patients

Covers CT window settings, bone algorithm use, and contrast protocols for the skull and spine. CT excels at osseous lesions and acute hemorrhage detection.

Lesson 4 • Advanced Imaging Modalities

Introduces MR spectroscopy, perfusion imaging, and nuclear scintigraphy for complex cases. Advanced modalities add metabolic and functional data beyond structural imaging.

Lesson 1 • Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Studies

Teaches needle EMG insertion, spontaneous activity recording, and motor unit analysis. EMG differentiates neuropathic from myopathic disease and localizes peripheral nerve lesions.

Lesson 2 • CSF Collection Techniques and Safety

Details cisternal and lumbar puncture techniques, patient positioning, and complication prevention. Safe collection requires knowledge of contraindications and real-time pressure assessment.

Lesson 3 • CSF Cytology and Biochemistry

Covers cell count, differential, protein quantification, and glucose interpretation. Abnormal CSF profiles narrow differentials to inflammatory, infectious, or neoplastic categories.

Lesson 4 • Evoked Potentials and Advanced Electrodiagnostics

Covers brainstem auditory, visual, and somatosensory evoked potentials and their clinical applications. Evoked potentials objectively assess sensory pathway integrity in uncooperative patients.

Lesson 1 • Antiepileptic Drug Pharmacology

Covers mechanisms, dosing, monitoring, and adverse effects of first- and second-line antiepileptic drugs. Drug selection balances efficacy, tolerability, and species-specific metabolism.

Lesson 2 • Status Epilepticus Emergency Management

Provides a stepwise protocol for benzodiazepine, barbiturate, and propofol use in status epilepticus. Rapid intervention prevents irreversible neuronal injury and systemic complications.

Lesson 3 • Diagnostic Workup for Seizure Patients

Outlines minimum database, advanced imaging, and CSF analysis for new-onset seizures. Systematic workup identifies treatable underlying causes before initiating long-term therapy.

Lesson 4 • Long-Term Epilepsy Monitoring and Adjustment

Establishes serum drug level monitoring schedules, seizure diary use, and criteria for drug adjustment. Ongoing monitoring maintains seizure control while minimizing adverse drug effects.

Lesson 1 • Cervical Spinal Cord Disorders

Covers cervical IVDD, wobbler syndrome, and atlantoaxial instability diagnosis and management. Cervical lesions produce tetraparesis and require distinct surgical approaches from thoracolumbar disease.

Lesson 2 • Degenerative Myelopathy and Chronic Spinal Disease

Explains degenerative myelopathy genetics, progression, and supportive care strategies. Chronic spinal diseases require long-term management plans distinct from acute surgical conditions.

Lesson 3 • Intervertebral Disc Disease Classification

Distinguishes Hansen Type I, II, and III disc disease by pathology, signalment, and imaging features. Classification directly determines urgency and choice of medical vs. surgical treatment.

Lesson 4 • Lumbosacral and Cauda Equina Disorders

Covers lumbosacral stenosis, cauda equina syndrome, and sacral fractures in dogs and horses. Lumbosacral disease presents with pain and bladder dysfunction requiring targeted diagnostics.

Lesson 1 • Cerebrovascular Disease and Stroke

Explains ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke diagnosis, underlying causes, and acute management. Vascular imaging and MRI diffusion sequences are essential for stroke confirmation.

Lesson 2 • Inflammatory and Infectious Brain Diseases

Covers meningoencephalitis of unknown origin, viral, bacterial, fungal, and protozoal encephalitides. Distinguishing infectious from immune-mediated disease determines whether immunosuppression is safe.

Lesson 3 • Congenital and Developmental Brain Disorders

Covers hydrocephalus, Chiari-like malformation, lissencephaly, and cerebellar hypoplasia. Congenital disorders often present in young animals and require lifelong management strategies.

Lesson 4 • Intracranial Neoplasia Diagnosis and Management

Addresses primary and secondary brain tumors, MRI characterization, and treatment options. Tumor type, location, and patient status guide surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy decisions.

Lesson 1 • Hereditary and Degenerative Muscle Diseases

Explains muscular dystrophy, myotonia, and storage myopathies in dogs, cats, and horses. Genetic testing and histochemical staining confirm hereditary diagnoses and guide breeding decisions.

Lesson 2 • Polyradiculoneuritis and Immune-Mediated Neuropathies

Covers acute polyradiculoneuritis, coonhound paralysis, and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. Immune-mediated neuropathies may require immunosuppression and intensive supportive nursing.

Lesson 3 • Inflammatory and Metabolic Myopathies

Covers polymyositis, masticatory muscle myositis, and endocrine myopathies with biopsy and serology. Muscle enzyme elevation and EMG abnormalities direct biopsy site selection.

Lesson 4 • Neuromuscular Junction Disorders

Addresses myasthenia gravis, botulism, and tick paralysis with diagnostic and treatment protocols. Acetylcholine receptor antibody testing and repetitive nerve stimulation confirm NMJ disease.