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 g... Read More
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