Penn Veterinary Medicine | University of Pennsylvania

To Make an Appointment

• Appointments: Clients please call the appointment desk directly.  Initial appointment necessary for full consultation.
• The Neurology and Neurosurgery section receives new cases on an appointment basis two days a week, and performs neurosurgical procedures two days a week. Neurosurgical cases are seen on Monday while medical neurology cases are seen on Wednesday.  Re-check appointments are seen on Tuesday and Wednesday.  
• Clinic appointments are made directly by the client's call to the appointment desk -- no referral needed. A physical appointment is necessary prior to providing a consultation. New cases are seen through the clinic throughout the day, and diagnostic tests are typically scheduled for the following day. In addition, the section also receives cases transferred from the Emergency service Monday through Friday, and performs emergency neurosurgical procedures Monday and Tuesday.
• The service sees a wide range of diseases including epilepsy, vestibular conditions, congenital anomalies, neuromuscular diseases, ruptured intervertebral discs and intracranial tumors. Intracranial surgery is a specialized program and is headed by Dr. Jay McDonnell. The section has access to advanced imaging capabilities (MRI and CT scanner), full electrodiagnostic capabilities (electromyography and electroneurography), Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials (BAER testing) and electroencephalography (EEG). BAER testing is also available to diagnose congenital deafness in dogs.
• If you wish to schedule an appointment with one of our neurologists, please call the Ryan Appointment Desk (215-898-4680).

In preparation for your visit:

• PLEASE DO NOT FEED YOUR PET AFTER 10PM THE EVENING BEFORE HIS/HER APPOINTMENT, unless he/she has a medical condition (such as seizures, diabetes) that requires regularly scheduled meals.  In these cases, we’ll work around it.  Be sure your pet has access to water, however. If your pet requires medication in the morning, please give the medication in less than 1 teaspoon of food.
• You MUST bring proof of rabies vaccination and records from your local veterinarian regarding your pet’s history of neurologic problems.  This may be a photocopy of the actual records, or a summary written by your veterinarian. Faxes are received at (215) 573-4617. If there has been any prior radiographs or imaging studies performed on your pet, please either bring a copy or have them sent ahead of time. Electronic images can be sent by email: vhupcc@vet.upenn.edu
• Please expect to spend at least 2 to 3 hours at the clinic.  Some cases require a full day if special tests are needed.  We cannot predict this for you without first seeing your pet, so please prepare to spend at least 3 hours for the first visit (rechecks are typically shorter). In the special case of MRI, the next available imaging time may be scheduled for the following day.
• The Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania is a teaching hospital.  A student doctor-in-training will greet you, take an oral history from you, and perform a physical examination on your pet prior to discussing the case with a staff neurologist.  However, all medical procedures will be performed or overseen by an experienced neurologist, who will discuss your pet’s care with you at length.  

Costs & Cancellations

• Cost:  The initial office visit is $184.  All diagnostic tests and necessary medications are in addition to the office visit fee, and will be discussed with you prior to proceeding.  Total costs are impossible to predict prior to seeing your pet as each individual is unique.  
• CANCELLATION POLICY:  Due to the long waiting period for appointments, missed appointments are harmful to our other current and future patients.  Therefore, cancellation of an appointment must be made at least 1 business day (does not include weekend days) prior to the appointment.  Clients arriving more than 30 minutes late will be seen as soon as possible, which may be later than the scheduled appointment time. This helps keep us on schedule to serve everyone more efficiently and effectively.