Inside the Mind of a Veterinary Neurologist

Meet Dr. Stacey Brady

Veterinary neurology is a specialised field dedicated to diagnosing and treating neurological disorders in animals. From seizures to spinal cord injuries, Veterinary Neurologists play a vital role in ensuring pets receive the best possible care when facing complex neurological conditions.

To gain a deeper understanding of this field, we spoke with Dr. Stacey Brady, a highly skilled Veterinary Neurologist at Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH) in North Ryde, about her journey, daily work and the value of specialist veterinary care.

What is veterinary neurology?

Veterinary neurology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of nervous system disorders in animals. These include conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. Veterinary Neurologists use advanced diagnostic tools, such as MRI and CT scans, to accurately assess and treat these conditions. Given the complexity of neurological disorders, specialists like Dr. Brady work closely with pet parents to develop effective treatment plans tailored to their pets’ needs.

What does it take to become a Veterinary Neurologist?

Becoming a qualified Veterinary Neurologist is a long and rigorous journey. Dr. Brady explains:

“The training to become a veterinarian varies depending on where you study. When I trained, it was a five-year undergraduate course, with the final year devoted to clinical experience. I graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Hons I).”

Following her veterinary degree, Dr. Brady embarked on further specialisation:

Internship: A one-year internship at the University of Sydney Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

Residency: A three-year neurology residency at the University of Melbourne.

Board certification: After fulfilling clinical requirements, publishing research and passing rigorous exams, she became a diplomat of the European College of Veterinary Neurology (ECVN) in 2021.

This structured path ensures Veterinary Neurologists are highly trained professionals, capable of handling the most complex neurological cases in animals.

Common conditions and treatment costs

Some of the most common neurological conditions in pets include:

Seizures and Epilepsy: Managed with long-term medication and regular monitoring.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): A common spinal condition that may require surgery.

Vestibular Disease: Affects balance and coordination, often requiring supportive care and diagnostics.

Given the high level of expertise and technology involved, specialised veterinary care can be costly. Advanced diagnostics, such as MRI scans, can range from $2,300 to $5,000. According to PetSure claims data 2024, the average treatment cost for IVDD in 2024 for dogs was $5,018, with the highest treatment cost being $41,850.

These costs reflect the sophisticated equipment, surgical expertise and 24-hour monitoring required for such complex treatments.

The rewards and challenges of veterinary neurology

When asked about the most rewarding aspect of her job, Dr. Brady shares:

“Helping owners understand what is happening with their pet and formulating a plan to help them going forward. Neurological cases can be challenging for many general practice veterinarians, and due to the often dramatic symptoms, can be very distressing for owners. It is rewarding knowing that you may have helped ease some of that anxiety.”

However, the emotional toll can be significant.

“The combination of having a severely ill pet, as well as the financial pressures that come with specialist care, can be very hard for owners. I try to be as empathetic as possible and ensure we present all options. On my days off, I focus on my well-being to manage the emotional stress of treating critically ill patients.”

Misconceptions about veterinary specialists

Dr. Brady highlights a common misunderstanding:

“I think the main misconception is around finances. Because we have Medicare for ourselves, most people don’t realise the true cost of pet healthcare. The level of care we provide is similar to human intensive care units, and so the costs are, although not the same, comparable in many ways.”

Supporting the specialised veterinary profession

To help pet parents better understand and appreciate veterinary specialists, Dr. Brady advises:

“Know that every vet is trying their best to help you and your pet achieve the best outcome. We understand the stress of having a beloved pet fall ill but try to ensure that anger or frustration isn’t unfairly directed at the veterinary team. Many of us have pets of our own and deeply understand the emotions involved.”

As veterinary medicine continues to advance, specialists like Dr. Stacey Brady are at the forefront of providing exceptional care. With new innovations in diagnostics and treatment, pets with neurological conditions now have better chances than ever for successful management and recovery. Understanding the dedication, expertise, and costs associated with veterinary neurology helps pet owners make informed decisions and appreciate the incredible work being done in specialist veterinary hospitals.

Common conditions seen by Veterinary Neurologists

Condition	Avg cost for treatment*	Highest cost for treatment*
Seizure and Epilepsy	$1,511	$31,716
Vestibular Disorder	$1,667	$30,293
Brain Tumour	$6,225	$29,117
Meningitis	$3,491	$25,992

_{Thanks to Dr. Stacey Brady for sharing her insights and knowledge on veterinary neurology.}