slider.jpg

VETERINARY NEUROLOGY OF THE CHESAPEAKE

CREATING BETTER OUTCOMES FOR ANIMALS THAT SUPPORT HEALTHIER LIVING AND ENHANCE THE OVERALL QUALITY OF LIFE.

Bringing Clarity to Pet Care: Maryland's Top Veterinary Imaging

At Veterinary Neurology and Imaging of the Chesapeake (VNIoC)  we bring clarity to pet care through our focus on Radiography (X-Ray), Computed Tomography (CT), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Through these modalities we are able to offer a window into the unseen, ensuring top-tier diagnostics and care. 

An important part of any neurology practice is the ability to quickly and easily access advanced veterinary imaging modalities to help identify and diagnose problems. MRI, CT, and X-rays are excellent veterinary imaging tools, but each has its own diagnostic strengths and drawbacks.

For instance:

  • Radiography does an excellent job at evaluating anatomic regions of stark contrast and density (like bones and air), but it can be limited when evaluating other areas like soft tissues where the density differences are more subtle. Overlying structures can also obscure areas of interest.  The nervous system in particular is made up of soft tissues that do not offer enough contrast to show up on X-ray imaging.

  • A CT scan uses a series of X-rays taken as several “slices” to create detailed pictures of organs, bones, and other tissues. The data collected can be assembled to form three-dimensional (3D) images. These images reveal abnormalities in both bone and soft tissues, such as pneumonia in the lungs, tumors in different organs, or bone fractures. The 3D format allows us to see “inside” the body - for instance to evaluate the liver or stomach within the abdomen.

  • Although CT is a bit better at looking at soft tissues, it still falls short when looking at the type of soft tissue that makes up the nervous system. Since the central nervous system (CNS) is essentially encased in bone (skull and spinal canal), the bones tend to obscure key CNS detail. In addition, radiographic technique does not capture the detail needed for diagnosing many veterinary neurologic conditions.

  • A pitfall of CT (and radiography, though to a lesser extent) is that CT can produce 10-70 times more radiation than from an X-ray (which also produces radiation). While this veterinary imaging modality is safe for patients in small, short doses, it can have additive effects if a patient needs multiple scans over their lifetime.

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the gold standard veterinary imaging modality to evaluate soft tissues, and more specifically the CNS, in detail.

Outpatient Veterinary Imaging at VNIOC: What You Can Expect?

  • When you arrive at our facility, you will be greeted by our friendly patient care coordinators who will check your pet in and ensure all paperwork is in order.

  • Your pet will then be escorted to our ICU area where they will be prepared for anesthesia.  This includes placing an IV catheter and running bloodwork, and in some cases taking X-rays of the chest.  Our anesthesia protocols also include pre-procedure anti-nausea medications to help your pet have a smoother post-anesthetic recovery.

  • When it is your pet’s turn for imaging, your pet will be sedated and taken to the MRI or CT area for their scan.  They will be hooked up to anesthetic monitoring equipment so that we can monitor your pet’s vitals during the imaging procedure.  Your pet may also receive intravenous fluids during their scan.

  • For MRI, typical scanning times range from 30-60 minutes depending on what we are imaging and the size of the patient.  CT scans are much faster and typically only require about 15 minutes of anesthesia time.

Clear Vision, Happy Pets! Premium Veterinary Imaging in Maryland!

Refer For Neurology

We offer neurological evaluations, recommendations, neurosurgery, & post-operative care

Refer For Imaging

MRI Scans with continuous veterinary supervised anesthesia

Request a Refill

Prescription refill medication refill orders fulfilled on-site or sent to your local pharmacy

Report A Seizure

A form to be used only by current patients in non-emergency situations

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

  • THIS DOCTOR AND HIS TEAM WENT POSITIVELY ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY

    I cannot say enough good things about Dr.McDonnell and his amazing and knowledgable staff. This doctor and his team went positively above and beyond the call of duty to help our sweet Ryder and although our end result was a devastating loss, we took comfort in knowing he had the BEST veterinary care available to him. We are forever grateful for this team and the effort, love, and compassion they gave our boy.

  • "I WAS SO SCARED WHEN MY VET TOLD ME TO GO TO A NEUROLOGIST, BUT THEY MADE EVERYTHING EASY, AND FIXED UP MY PAL TO BOOT."

    A great and talented group of doctors. IN fact, everyone was so helpful and nice. I was so scared when my vet told me to go to a neurologist, but they made everything easy, and fixed up my pal to boot. Thanks so much for everything.

    Cathy S.

  • "THEY WERE WONDERFUL TO WORK WITH, EXPLAINED EVERYTHING AND ANSWERED ALL MY QUESTIONS."

    This was the second time in two years they have performed surgery on my pet, same issue, different spots. Both times, they were wonderful to work with, explained everything and answered all my questions. I would recommend them to anyone needing a specialized surgery.

    Todd E.