Seated: Dr. Joan Coates Dr. John Levine	Standing: Dr. Bob Bergman Dr. Laurie Cook

The Neurology/Neurosurgery Service at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital has some new faces these days. Dr. Joan Coates, assistant professor of neurology and neurosurgery, has been a part of the neurology service for the past five years. She had previously been on the faculty at the University of Georgia. Dr. Coates, a graduate of the University of Missouri, completed a small animal internship at Texas A&M University and a residency in neurology and neurosurgery at Auburn University. In addition to Dr. Coates, Dr. Bob Bergman joined the faculty in July 2001 as a clinical assistant professor of neurology and neurosurgery. Dr. Bergman graduated from the University of Georgia, where he also completed a small animal internship. He was a resident in neurology and neurosurgery at Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. Both neurologists accept a variety of cases and are interested in clinical research as a means of improving animal health. Multiple projects have been recently completed or are ongoing with the neurology service including studies dealing with Degenerative Myelopathy and spinal trauma.

            In addition to the neurology faculty members there are two neurology/neurosurgery residents. Dr. Laurie Cook, third year neurology resident, is a Texas A&M University graduate who completed a small animal internship at the University of Illinois before coming back to the Texas Veterinary Medical Center. Dr. Jon Levine graduated from Cornell University and subsequently completed a small animal internship at the University of Colorado before arriving in College Station in July.

The Neurology/Neurosurgery service at Texas A&M University continues to offer complete services for pets with neurologic dysfunction. The primary objective is the diagnosis and treatment of medical and surgical neurological diseases. The service receives canine and feline neurologic cases both as scheduled appointments and on an emergency basis. In addition, consultation is provided for other small animal clinical cases as well as large animals and exotics. Services available include CSF collection and analysis, electrophysiology, advanced imaging such as myelography and CT, and various neurosurgical procedures. 
 

Post contrast CT showing the tumor in Coco.

           One aspect of Texas A&M University that the neurologists feel is an invaluable resource is the availability of specialists in other fields who can aid in case management. The team approach at Texas A&M University is critical in providing the best possible care for patients. A good example of this can be seen with a recent case.

            Coco was a 6-year-old spayed female miniature poodle that was presented to the emergency service for a recent onset of intractable seizures. The seizures were severe enough at the time of presentation that the emergency clinician had to resort to general anesthesia to stop the convulsions. Due to respiratory compromise, Coco required the use of the ventilator.

Coco at recent recheck.

     Dr. Maureen McMichael, a specialist in emergency and critical care aided in managing Coco while mechanical ventilation was required. A CT scan of the brain was performed and a large contrast enhancing mass was found.

The ventilator in use at the Small Animal Hospital.

            A meningioma was suspected and a surgical biopsy/resection was recommended to the owner. Once Coco was stabilized, a craniotomy was performed. With the assistance of one of Texas A&M University's radiologists, Dr. Anne Bahr, intraoperative ultrasound was used to locate the deep margins of the tumor and minimize the damage to the surrounding brain. The tumor was successfully removed and Coco recovered from surgery uneventfully. At a recent recheck the owner reported that Coco was completely normal except for one seizure.

            The neurologists and neurology residents look forward to evaluating your referral cases. They are also available for telephone consultations should you have a question about a case under your treatment or would like more information about a referral of an animal.