Veterinary Neurological Center

Was referred here by my vet, my little yorkie is very sick. These doctors are top notch specialists that really care about your little furry babies. They take their time to explain everything that is happening and the staff is friendly and caring. I just can't say enough good things. Read Less

My BEAGLE (Abby ) was given very good treatment while she there she had surgery on her spine if not she would have paralyzed or she would been put sleep and decided with help of the Dr's. We made the decision to had the surgery and we are very please with the way it turned out. Great Staff and Wonderful Dr's. Read Less

Office staff were intelligent and kind, Dr. Scott Plummer needs to be highly spoken of because he found something so microscopic it is because of all of the attention to detail for so many years of experience. We are so grateful, thank you, thank you all. Read Less

Quality care from top notch physicians. Having updated technology helped Dr Aguirre diagnose a condition that would normally been missed. The staff is caring and personable. Would highly recommend for specialty diagnostic and treatment. Read Less

When you have dachshunds, you always run the risk of them developing spinal problems, but you always hope you'll escape the dreaded ruptured disc. Unfortunately, we did not. Our 8-year-old doxie developed severe pain out of nowhere. After X-rays at our primary vet, it showed a severely calcified disc in her neck. We were referred to VNC. Our first visit was with Dr. Spore and Dr. Plummer. We spent a lot more time with Dr. Spore, who was absolutely wonderful to our dog and to us, as it was a very stressful, scary time for us all. And although we didn't spend a lot of time with Dr. Plummer, it was clear he knew his stuff. The doctors advised on a CT scan and most likely surgery; however, we tried the medication management route first, as we knew the CT scan and possible surgery was going to cost many, many thousands of dollars. It was clear within a few days that this was not going to work, so we took her back and had the CT scan done. It wasn't good news. Not only had her disc ruptured, but it ruptured in a way that is very uncommon and much more difficult to operate on and fix. But Dr. Plummer felt there was good shot at fixing it, so we agreed to the 5-hour surgery and 4-6 week recovery. It's been just over four weeks since her surgery and the doctors believe it was a success! We are so thankful to the ENTIRE staff at VNC. The doctors are extremely qualified and knowledgable. The vet techs are so kind and caring, and the front desk staff is always sweet and helpful. I literally cannot find one thing wrong with this place, and when it comes to my dogs, I have VERY high expectations. Is it expensive? Yes, but so is all healthcare, both human and dog. When you go to VNC, you are making a financial commitment to your pet. But the staff goes WAY beyond what you pay for. If your pet is having a possible neurological issue, I highly suggest taking him/her to VNC. Read Less

My interaction with VNC is ongoing since we have yet to find the cause of my dogs brain lesions. However, I am completely impressed by everyone I've come in contact with at the VNC. Dr Knowles is extremely knowledgeable and took time to thoroughly examine my dog, ask many questions and clarify my multiple questions. He underwent a CSF culture and and MRI and we are still waiting on results. However based on the treatment we've received from Dr. Knowles and the front desk staff I know regardless of what they find, he is in good hands! Read Less

I visited the Hospital expecting to have a MRI done on my dog. The office help was very friendly and competent. The doctors did a compete exam on my dog and felt that I would be wasting my money by doing the MRI. I am very grateful that they did not just do it just because I was there. My local vet did more testing and diagnosed the problem which would not have been found by a MRI. Read Less

I brought my pet in several times over the last three weeks. The staff at this facility is amazing. When I thought all hope was lost, they put together a plan of action that turned everything around. HIghly recommend them. Read Less

In Oct. our cat started having extreme problems with his balance - he couldn't walk without falling over.  I called our vet immediately but she was out the rest of the day and her office referred me to another vet, which I promptly brought him to.  After some testing, she wanted me to take him to VNC for a neurological exam.  This vet wanted to start him on steroids but VNC said no, they wanted to see him first.  The next morning we went to VNC and our cat was examined by a vet, Dr. Evans, who thought he might have vestibular disease but spent a good deal of our time trying to convince us to have an MRI and spinal tap done for $3,000.  While we would do anything for our pets, we thought this price was astronomical and said we would think about it.  We got him to our regular vet the following day and she gave him an antiobiotic shot and steroids, which have totally cleared up the vestibular disease.  If an MRI was the only solution, we would have done it but we had to try other methods first.  Please do research and don't let them talk you into such an expense at a time when they should be offering you support instead of giving you the feeling that this is more money driven than truly caring about both your pet and you. Read Less

My dog experienced sudden mobility loss in his hind legs. We were referred to VNC and I could not be happier with the experience. We dealt with Dr. Plummer and Dr. Spoor and they were superb. These two wonderful doctors helped us figure out not only what was wrong with my sweet boy, but have been extremely helpful even after his diagnosis. Not only are the doctors EXTREMELY caring, but all of the staff we dealt with seemed to care about Alfonze and were so excited to find out after his visit he was able to walk again. Read Less

First experience at a specialist and so glad we chose VNC! Before we even showed up, the front desk staff showed how phenomenal they are. They were very proactive about collecting Callie's history from various hospitals before she was seen for a consult, MRI, and CSF tap. Dr. Plummer was incredible and informative, though a little rushed at times, but he made up for it by showing myself and my twin sister(both 2nd year veterinary students) around the hospital and seemed eager to teach us what he could in that short time. Their facilities are very clean and the imaging equipment is inherently impressive. He also introduced us to some of the other doctors, which I appreciated. By the end of the day, when we returned to pick up Callie, everyone knew her name and multiple doctors and staff greeted and pet Callie when they saw her walk down the hall back toward us. Additionally, given any specialty bill is going to be a big one, he gave us a 25% discount because we're veterinary students! I couldn't thank him enough.Callie left with a good prognosis which only increased my respect and appreciation of their business. Read Less

The VNC is a great comfort during what can be very scary times with your pets.They are fast, efficient, and friendly, and very experienced in all of the issues your pets may be experiencing. Our dog had a herniated disc that was pressing on his spinal cord and had caused paresis in his hind legs. We were quickly referred to the VNC where they got us in for surgery within a day. Chowder (my dog) remained at the clinic for three days in recovery before we got to bring him home.He has since recovered his ability to walk, and the VNC was very helpful in answering all of our questions about the at-home care and healing process. We had Dr. Knowles, a no-nonsense woman that clearly knows her way around these issues. Friendly, but got down to business right away. She just knows how to get things done. Read Less

Great friendly staff. Dr. Plummer was amazing. We drove from Las Vegas to AZ to see him for a neurological exam and consult for my baby and it's definitely worth the 5 hours drive. Wish he was in LV. Highly recommended. The front desk staff was very helpful and understanding of our situation knowing we were driving back to Vegas after the appointment, they got us in and out of there in 30 mins. Read Less

We cannot say enough about this facility!!! We brought our little poodle Coco in as he had suffered a cervical disk extrusion. This little guys legs were paralyzed and he could not stand/walk, etc. We were so fearful nothing could be done, however, Dr. Plummer performed a miracle on our precious Coco. Surgery was performed on Tuesday and we were able to bring him home on Thursday. Most importantly he was able to stand on all four legs. Will take some time for recovery, but Dr. Plummer anticpated a full recovery!!! We were treated so well by Dr. Plummer, Sam and Laura who show they really do care about our pets. I would not hesitate to recommend this facility to anyone. Thank you so much Dr. Plummer. Read Less

Excellent! Very professional! They love our dog Dimples just as much as we do! She was very sick and had to be treated overnight. If it wasn't for them, Dimples wouldn't be with us today. Highly recommend. All the test that she needed was thousands upon thousands. The doctor was pretty confident that she had meningitis, so he began treating her for that. She responded well, and she is slowly getting back to her diva self that we know her to be! Read Less

Dr. Evan was so helpful given we could not afford all the extensive testing to give a specific diagnoses. Instead we did a trial and error to help our pup who was suffering from dizziness, loss of balance, and intention tremors. She is doing 100% better now and now we know what to watch for. Thank you Dr. Evans! Read Less

They saved my 4 year old pug. She lost sensation in her back legs and couldn't walk at all. She was dragging herself. They quickly got her in. Did a thorough check on her, cat scan on her. They finally did a surgery on her right away. Now she's able to walk and run again. Thank the Dr's there so much.Read Less

A few months ago our dog had suddenly lost the use of his hind legs. It happened overnight and by the time we go him in to see Dr Evan it was unfortunately too late. My wife and I were heartbroken, but I could tell from the first visit that this was it for our dog. Regardless, Dr Evans spent a long time with us breaking down every option in great detail. We learned a lot and he even helped us with a treatment plan. It was a long shot and it didn't work, but he made our dog as happy and comfortable as he could reasonably make him while giving us a little time to hope for a miracle. I don't have a happy ending to share unfortunately. When we returned for a follow up visit we made the tough choice to put him to rest. Poor outcome aside, VNC desires all 5 stars and then some. The prices were reasonable, the staff incredibly friendly, and Dr Evans absolutely did not pressure us to do any surgery. If anything, he helped guide us to the choice we ultimately made. I know for certain that if he only offered us the best possible outcome and recommended surgery I would have done in a a nanosecond. I even told me wife I'd sell my motorcycle to pay for it. I hope we never need to return, but if we do there will be no hesitation. Also, if your reading this review and your dog is showing any symptoms do not wait. Time is of the essence if you want a chance to save your pup. Read Less

Our cat Zoey lost her vision overnight last week. We went to the emergency vet clinic, our regular vet and a pet ophthalmologist before seeing Dr. Laura Stainback. Her knowledge and experience helped us feel confident and comfortable, and her care and compassion was so reassuring during a scary time. I'm very familiar with the human neurology world through my job and my own health condition...and Dr Stainback earned my respect and admiration quickly. The staff is very kind as well. We aren't out of the woods with our sweet kitty yet, but we know she's in good hands. Read Less

Dr Plummer took awesome care of our dog Duke. He needed an MRI to diagnosis him right away and it worked they found valley fever in his brain and treated him right away and took amazing care of him over night and everyone loved him and was so sweet to us and him! Read Less

Thank you, Dr. Spoor, Dr. Plummer & staff for taking such good care of our much-beloved kitty, Slobberz. You were so kind to us and kitty, and you were so thorough with his exam, explanation of the MRI results, and treatment options and protocols. We are so grateful. Read Less

My review is not really complete as my situation is ongoing but I based on the way I was treated, I feel like I'm on good hands. I know neurological issues can be costly so I'm hoping for the best. Dr. Plummer wad very nice Read Less

These are some of the most caring professionals I've ever met. And I would like to give an especially big thanks to Dr. Greatting.  The people at this office do not care about your money, they care about your dog. You can go there with confidence that they will not try to talk you into anything you don't need. Read Less

I took my miniature Schnauzer in for an accurate diagnosis of what is causing his balance disorder. It was of sudden onset. Having had an excellent experience at VNC in 1997 with Dr Levesque who no longer sees patients but is the founder of VNC, I had my regular vet make the referral and Baxter saw Dr. Plummer. The doctor had to do an MRI to rule out a tumor,stroke or deep inner ear infection. He was able to give  us the good news these were not the cause. It is a vestibular syndrome found  in older dogs that should remit in a couple of weeks. That was the best possible outcome. If Baxter does not back to normal, excepting the head tilt, the doctor wants to see us back. Dr. Plummer has a kind bedside manner and thoroughly explained the MRI scan. He handled Baxter gently and spoke to him like a little kid. :-)  Sam, at the front office was wonderful!!  I wouldn't hesitate to refer someone to a doctor here. Read Less

Two of our dogs are patients here.  The responses and care of the front office staff and the vets have been nothing less than sensational. Nola sees Dr. Evans and Pepper T sees Dr. Knowles.  Pepper T, a 5 pounder, has a seizure disorder due to a traumatic brain injury. He has been in several times. They show nothing but patience and interest for him and his condition.  I would recommend them without reservation.  They are terrific. And the charges for office visits, etc. have been extremely reasonable.  Nothing unnecessary or unwarranted has ever been recommended. Read Less

I'm writing this review for a couple reasons.  One, because I think my experience at Veterinary Neurological Clinic was amazing (and still ongoing) and two because I hope my story and recommendation gives people some inspiration and insight if their animal is experiencing a similar situation.In November of last year, my home and belongings were ruined in a house fire, and my 5 lb. Yorkie mix 3 year old was left inside for the entire duration of the fire.  He was completely paralyzed and basically unresponsive.  After an overnight in the emergency animal clinic, it was recommended he see a pet neurologist.  After losing everything I owned and having little hope Nigel would survive, I realized this office was my only sense of hope.  I took him to the appointment and met Dr. Evans.  I had no idea what news I was going to receive and was mentally preparing myself to have to put my little guy down due to his condition.When I arrived, the office staff was extremely kind and sympathetic.  I could tell they were pulling for Nigel the moment they saw him and me.  Their positivity gave me a glimmer of hope that he would pull through, but what really stuck with me was Dr. Evans.  While we knew his injury was, he did not order expensive tests to find out what part of his brain was affected.  He simply told me what he knew according to animal science.  His words still resonate in my mind because they were honest and true.  He told me that dogs are resilient and able to recover from the injury much better than humans...simply put, their brains and neuro pathways are smaller and easier to reroute.  He also told me, in a very honest and matter of fact tone, that he did not know what Nigel's recovery would be, but if he was showing progress then there was a strong possibility that progress would continue.  He also informed me Nigel's bodily functions were still in tact, and he was able to eat unfortunately he was able to see very little if anything.  After I was prepped on how to feed him and what to expect as his brain rewired (deafening screams and yelps and cries that did in fact occur), I was sent "home" with my little guy and an appointment for a few weeks later.  During the next three weeks, I spent everyday with Nigel.  His recovery was remarkable and fast and still isn't over.  My goal for him was for him to walk into his follow-up appointment.  During the days that followed, he would tip over to his left side almost always, so I began by propping him between pillows to force him to sit balanced.  Eventually, he was able to hold himself.  When he would tip over onto his side, he would want to be on the other, so he would scream and grunt and with all his might until he was able to roll over.  Every day, he soiled himself, so he received a bath in a very large sink - most days the baths happened twice.  This is where I could hold him and he would move/kick/paddle his front paws.  Knowing this was an instinct for dogs when they were near water, I knew it would only improve his muscle movement.  He also began kicking the back legs, although those were much less favored.  Over time, he moved to the floor and stabilized himself enough to try to stand.  Finally, I took him outside to grass and let him very clumsily try to walk.When he went to his follow-up appointment in December, he was still very unstable and uneasy, but he did walk in the clinic.  Instead of sympathetic eyes, we were greeted by surprise and wonderment.  The entire staff seemed to know Nigel's story and was so happy to see his accomplishments.  Dr. Greatting did his exam in the waiting room and answered a lot of questions while offering more insight into his recovery.  They even approved him to fly home for the holidays.  He was seen again in March by both Dr. Greatting and Dr. Evans.  They both reported great things and said his recovery would continue probably through the year.  Of course they were right, as he is now jumping on furniture and continuing to use his back legs more.I will never be able to express how truly THANKFUL I am to this amazing office.  They were able to deal with me in my most fragile state while offering me so much hope for their patient.  While the extent of his recovery was unknown at the time, without VNC I know Nigel would not be as remarkable as he is today. Read Less

Thank you so much for your amazing care of our little Faith, Dr. Greatting. Sure wish you would decide to practice here in Phoenix once your residency is done. You are an amazing vet and a very caring person. The love you and the other veterinary and office staff have given Faith in the past 3 days during her back surgery is wonderful. I know the follow up care will be just as wonderful. Read Less

I'm so grateful for the amazing care you are giving to our Poppers! He means a lot to all of us, and thanks to you, he is going to be able to run, jump, play, fetch and do what a normal pup should do. Thanks so much and to all of your stuff! :) Read Less

Dr Plummer and his staff have been such a blessing to Lil Poppers! There are so many of us from Caring Hearts for Homeless Pets and their owners that are really rooting strong and hard for Poppers and I know all of you are too! Thanks for joining Saving Lil Poppers page and for all of the amazing care and love you have given him! Read Less

Lil' Poppers went to meet Dr. Plummer yesterday & his staff, they are beyond amazing! I got a call from vet neuro to check and see how Poppers is doing...she and the entire office staff have been following his story on Facebook and commend us for all we have and continue to do for him. They're all rooting for his recovery and look forward to spending time with him to spoil him with hugs and kisses...she said they can see why he's so special! (Saving Lil' Poppers) Read Less

These Docs and staff were amazing! Very caring and explained everything really well. They took wonderful care of our 5 year old schnauzer mix. She lost the use of her hind legs due to a ruptured disc that was smashing her spinal cord. They performed emergency surgery on her and she is back to normal. We can't thank them enough for the love and compassion they showed us and our pet.Read Less

We brought our Sadie girl here (female boxer) to be checked out for her legs. Based on her symptoms Dr. Plummer pretty much had an idea of what she has; degenerative myelopathy. Instead of having us go through extremely expensive MRI's and xrays he suggested that the most cost effective plan would be to genetically test her for Degenerative Myelopathyuch first. This only cost a coUple hundred compared to the thousand or so it could have cost for tests that probably wouldn't have led to a diagnoses. It's nice going to a vet that understands how expensive things can get and give you options. To us it showed that they care for their patients more than bringing in another dollar. Dr. Plummer had a wonderful bedside manner. He was sincere in his concern and examined her thoroughly, testing her reflexes as well as her eyes. He basically checked her from head to toe. He personally called me to break the terrible news about Sadie's positive test results for the disease. I felt he truly nOt only cared for Sadie and was saddened by her diagnoses but he also had concern for us. He let us know if they're was anything we needed we could always call or come in. He even offered to do check ups on Sadie over the course of her diseases progression. The staff is also very personable, friendly and caring. Also another yelper commented on the expensive tests but anyone who owns pets knows how expensive veterinarian care can be which is why Pet insurance is available but also this office accepts Care Credit cards which for us was a lifesaver. If you're worried about cost apply for a Care Credit card. Plus they're not only good at vet offices but also at dental offices, eyes doctors, imaging and more. Overall this is a fantastic office with wonderful staff and vets who love their furry patients as well as their humans. If We ever need their assistance in the future for Neuro vet care we'll come here first. Read Less

The staff here really took excellent care of my chihuahua. Dr. Knowles is great and the entire staff is always so friendly! Took my dog here for an MRI which is expensive, but thankfully I have pet insurance which covered 90% of it. He stayed there over a weekend and they even let me come in on a Sunday when they were closed to come in and visit him. I'm in here twice a month now until he's completely healed and I am so thankful for this place! Read Less

I'm writing this review because when my girlfriend and I were trying to find somewhere to fix our dog I wasn't sure I was going to go here bc of some of the yelp reviews. Yes, it's ridiculously expensive to do testing and operations on your pet, but it's like that ANYWHERE you go. Yes, they are a business and keeping a team of friendly helpful staff and knowledgable doctors is not cheap, they make money off if their testing and surgery. Like any other center of this type. Our dog Betty woke up paralyzed one Sunday morning at my girlfriends moms house in AZ we got in the car and drove out from LA as soon as we could to get her to see someone.  We were recommended to go here from another very knowledgable vet in Arizona. From the beginning the staff here was nothing but helpful. They fit us in the same day to see someone and were so kind through the whole process. They needed to do additional testing on Betty bc X-rays were not showing something out of the ordinary to explain the paralysis. Let me note here though that we didn't ever feel the doc was pushy about doing the surgery. He have us the statistics of her walking again and explained other options for treatment if surgery was going to be too expensive. We decided that if they found she had a bulging or herniated disc, which he suspected, we would do surgery.The price tag was huge for us but the staff helped us every step of the way through applying for care credit for half and then setting up a payment plan through them for the rest. Betty is now on her way to full recovery and it had everything to do with this place. I told myself if this worked out I would write a review about the WORK they do and our experience of the staff, instead of complaining about the price. Thank you everyone from the bottom of our hearts for giving Betty her legs back! Don't think twice about taking your pet to this place. Yes, they might need to run tests to make a diagnosis but you are in great hands. Read Less

Veterinary Neurological in AZ is the WORST, OF THE WORST, OF THE WORST. For the most uncaring vets go to horrific Veterinary Neurological. OMG!  Incompetent. Uncaring. Overpriced. Hated everything. Management was useless. (The owner's son is the manager -- has no idea what management is).  Run from VNC!Also, they totally ripped me off and had me think I was seeing a neurologist when I was seeing ONLY a resident. I paid full price for a neurologist but got a student. I brought my dog Rudy there in an emergency and got incompetent Dr. Philip Schissler. He was so inexperienced, he was clueless about the deadly emergency my dog was in.  (My dog died a month later, he was only 7.) Dr. Schissler even wanted me to pay $3,000 for a pet MRI (all over Scottsdale , like Charles Pullen's office, they're cheaper, 75% less -- only $750. So don't let Veterinary Neurological Center rip you off for thousands.) Dr. Philip Schissler should be ashamed to call himself a vet.  It gets worse, I insisted on seeing a REAL neurologist and they sent in Dr. Jason Evans. Between Schissler, DVM and Dr. Evans, DVM, it was like Dumb and Dumber. Dr. Evans did not even hold or touch my dog. He gazed at me from across the room and when I said I didn't have $3,000 for an MRI, he said "Then you'll have to consider your dog's quality of life." REALLY, Dr. Evans? Put my dog down? How 'bout YOU consider looking at my dog and talking to me about his condition, since Schissler knows nothing, Bottom line, RUN, do not just walk away from Veterinary Neurological Center. If you want a great neurology team, fly your pet to Oklahoma State University Vet Teaching Hospital. I did that with Rudy next, and they were REAL doctors. Cost 1/2 of VNC's $3000 MRI price to fly all the way there AND get the MRI and much more done! Read Less

At first glance, my Yelp buddies may be thinking "Finally!  She's put the lid on that can of crazy and adopted a new pet!  Too bad it needs a neurologist."  Well, no I haven't. That shows you what my list of unfinished reviews looks like.  So here's my review from my August 2011 visit.  Rest assured, it was so traumatizing I can accurately remember the pertinent details.After my kitty suffered a severe seizure, losing her eyesight, the emergency clinic recommended a neuro consult as they were unable to pinpoint the cause.    So we loaded up our already deaf, now blind, and extremely pissed off family member into the car and  headed from one hospital to another.The facility is in an odd industrial area, but it was very clean and the staff friendly.  We were greeted promptly and had a minimal wait.  Suzi was first thoroughly examined by an resident.  She was minimally cooperative, but he was good with her.  He then took her to another room for a second examination by a neurologist, Dr. Evans.  We were not offered the opportunity to accompany Suzi, but we were not exactly at the top of her list anyway.  Following Dr. Evan's exam, he did meet with us to report his findings.  His best guess was a brain tumor, but in absence of an MRI, he could not be certain.  We discussed treatment options; however, as she was already 19, I was not willing to consider surgery or radiation.  He suggested a course of steroids which could reduce any swelling causing the blindness.The only thing preventing me from a 5-star review was the topic of the MRI.  While I did not feel pressured, I was encouraged to move forward with it for a definitive diagnosis even after I expressed concern over her age and current weakened state following the seizures.  I asked if the MRI were positive what conservative treatment was available.  The answer...a course of steroids, the same thing if it were negative.  I fully understand it was their obligation to communicate all available diagnostics and treatments available, but I also understand that I could have easily been swayed to spend $3000 just for peace of mind in my case.The steroids did appear to help as Suzi's sight returned and she had 3 more months seizure-free.  Dr. Evans' best guess diagnosis appeared to be accurate, as she did exhibit additional symptoms pointing to a brain tumor just before we euthanized her.  I would not hesitate to trust this facility again should the need arise. Read Less

In the summer of 2010 my dog became very ill, and we were referred to VetNeuro. Dr. Knowles was my primary vet and I honestly couldnt have asked for someone better. Over the 5-6 week ordeal, my dog was diagnosed with encephalitis and had to undergo numerous chemo treatments. As luck would have it, I had to travel out of the country for 4 weeks during that time. Dr Knowles worked with me and my friends, who were looking after my dog. She even let my roommates hook up Skype so we could discuss further treatments. Dr. Knowles still remembers my little survivor to this day and has always been honest and real with her diagnoses. To say she and the vet techs at the Veterinary Neurological Center are lifesavers would be an understatement. Read Less