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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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