Advanced Diagnostic Imaging
Diagnosing neurological disease requires high quality diagnostic imaging. Since moving to VRH we now have access to a 1.5 Tesla MRI unit which supplies us with excellent images of brain and spinal cord conditions. We also have an on-site 32 slice CT scanner in addition to world class fluoroscopy and ultrasound capabilities. We pride ourselves on providing excellent image quality for all of your diagnostic needs.
Brain and Spinal Surgery
Dr Long has extensive experience in all forms of spinal surgery with a particular interest in decompressive techniques for intervertebral disc disease, ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery for hydrocephalus, and craniotomies (for anything from brain tumours, to abscesses, to brain biopsy). Dr Long is recognised for his research into canine brain cancer, which he studied extensively as part of his PhD in Glasgow.
Peripheral nerve disorders
At VRH, Dr Long has electrodiagnostic facilities for the evaluation of conditions affecting nerves, muscle and neuromuscular junctions. Dr Long routinely performs EMG, nerve conduction studies and repetitive nerve stimulation, along with other tests important for diagnosing diseases which cause neuromuscular weakness in dogs and cats.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a particular area of interest for Dr Long, who is a member of the International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force, and contributor to the consensus statements for the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy released in 2015.
Click here for links to the IVETF webpage and to access the 2015 consensus statements on canine epilepsy.
Deafness testing
Our state-of-the-art facilities allow us to perform BAER (brain stem auditory-evoked responses), the only objective way of testing for deafness. Dr Long has extensive experience in testing for deafness in puppies (breed associated deafness) and has performed BAERs for breeders looking to certify their puppies are not affected by deafness.