Veterinary Neurology

Veterinary Neurology is the branch of medicine that studies the brain, spinal cord and nerves. Many animals suffer from neurological disorders and veterinarians with special training in neurology have the tools and knowledge to help our 4 legged friends get back to function as quickly and comfortably as possible. 

Diagnostics

One of the most important things in neurology is a diagnosis. All neurological patients are first given a neurological exam. This exam tests the patient's reflexes, sensation to stimuli, sight, hearing, and gait.  Many times this can aid in obtaining a diagnosis  and/or "localize" where the problem is. Once this exam is completed other diagnostics can be performed. This may lead the doctor to suggest something as simple as medication therapy, acupuncture, or physical rehabilitation. However, some patients may need more diagnostics like blood work, muscle or nerve biopsies, spinal fluid analysis,  electromyography (EMG), Computed Tomography (CT scan), or Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Common Conditions 

• Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD)
• Epilepsy and seizure disorder
• Vestibular Disease
• Brain injuries/ Head Trauma
• Spinal Cord Injuries/ Fractures
• Wobbler’s disease/ Cervical vertebral distraction-fusion surgery
• Spinal Cancer
• Brain Tumors
• Congenital Disease
• Tick borne disease  (Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever)

Advanced Imagining 

Resurge Veterinary Surgical Specialists and Rehabilitation perform in-house, HDVI (High Definition Volumetric Imaging), a new hybrid technology in CT (Computed Tomography) that provides unprecedented diagnostic and interventional information for clinicians.

Roy “Boogie” Yates, Jr. DVM 
​Practice limited to Neurology

​Dr. Yates attended Louisiana State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 2002, followed by St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine where he earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2008. As part of the curriculum, he matriculated at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine for a clinical year of experience. Following his graduation from veterinary school, he completed a year long internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Louisiana Veterinary Referral Center in Mandeville where he worked with Dr. Dena Lodato DVM and Robby Porter CCRP.  Dr Yates then completed a three-year residency in Veterinary Neurology and Neurosurgery at Metropolitan Veterinary Referral Group in Akron, Ohio. Following his residency training, Dr. Yates and his wife worked in Scranton, PA for several years before moving back to Louisiana where he represented a Neurology and Neurosurgery Department in Mandeville and New Orleans. Dr. Yates is experienced in all aspects of small animal neurology/neurosurgery with particular interests in the management of seizures especially cluster seizures, meningitis, chiari-like malformation, syringomyelia, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Dr. Yates is an active advocate of continuing education for veterinary professionals and has lectured on a variety of neurology topics.
On a personal note, Dr Roy Yates captured the nickname "Boogie" when he was very young and it reflects his easy to talk with, down to earth nature.  He continues to be called Boogie or Dr Boogie by family, friends and colleges.