Pacific Northwest Pet Emergency & Specialty Center (PACWVETS)
If your pet is showing signs of a neurologic problem, including seizures, weakness, balance issues, or back pain, finding a veterinary neurologist near you is critical. At Pacific Northwest Pet ER & Specialty Center in Vancouver, WA, we provide advanced diagnostics and treatment for pets from Vancouver, East Portland, Camas, SW Washington, and the greater Portland metro area.
Our board-certified neurologist offers on-site MRI, CT, and neurosurgery, ensuring your pet receives specialized care without traveling far. Whether your dog or cat needs a seizure workup, spinal evaluation, or other neurologic care, we are conveniently located and ready to provide prompt, expert treatment for pets close to home.
Our board-certified veterinary Neurologist, Dr. Kowal, has received a Neurosurgery Certificate of Training. This certificate documents that the recipient has completed advanced neurosurgical training beyond that required for board certification and has completed a minimum number of surgical procedures. Additionally, the recipient must document exposure to and proficiency in advanced neurosurgery. The process for approval is subject to an audit of cases to ensure that the recipient meets all criteria. With this achievement, Dr. Kowal joins a select group of veterinary neurologists across the country who have completed this advanced training. We are proud that Pacific Northwest Pet ER & Specialty Center can provide advanced neurosurgical care to patients throughout the region.
Why You May Be Referred
You may be referred to our neurology department because your pet has one or more of the following symptoms:
Seizures
Neck and back pain
Poor balance, wobbly gait
Head tilt
Difficulty walking
Generalized weakness
Paralysis
Nerve or muscle dysfunction
Intervertebral disc disease
Tumors involving the brain or nerves
Abnormal behavior
Services & Diagnostics
To treat these symptoms, we provide medical treatment utilizing the latest medications & treatments:
Brain surgery for tumors & malformation
Spinal cord surgery
Scope-assisted surgical procedures
Muscle & nerve biopsy
Medical management
We also offer Advance Diagnostics including:
Onsite MRI
CT Scans
Electromyography
Our Neurology Team
Joe Kowal
DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)
Joe Kowal
DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)
Signs Your Pet May Need a Neurologist
Seizures and Epilepsy
Seizures are one of the most common neurologic emergencies in pets. Signs include convulsions, sudden collapse, drooling, 'fly biting' or unresponsive staring. Prompt evaluation by a veterinary neurologist is critical to determine the cause and start treatment quickly. Our team provides comprehensive seizure workups, including MRI, bloodwork, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis, with individualized treatment plans.
Weakness, Paralysis, or Gait Abnormalities
Weakness, limping, dragging limbs, or difficulty walking can indicate a spinal cord or neurologic issue. Sudden or progressive weakness should be evaluated immediately. We assess pets with neurologic exams and advanced imaging (MRI) to diagnose and manage these conditions.
Back or Neck Pain
Back pain or discomfort, sensitivity when touched, or reluctance to jump can signal intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) or other spinal disorders. Early intervention is critical to properly assess and manage these conditions, helping pets recover more comfortably and preventing further neurologic complications.
Other Neurologic Symptoms
Other signs include head tilting, circling, tremors, vision changes, or sudden behavioral changes. These symptoms can indicate vestibular disease, brain disorders, or inflammatory conditions that require specialized care.
Our Neurology Services
Comprehensive Neurologic Exams
Our board-certified neurologist performs thorough evaluations, reviewing medical history, performing a neurologic exam, and creating a personalized care plan.
Advanced Diagnostics
We offer on-site MRI and CT imaging, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and electrodiagnostics to accurately diagnose neurologic conditions.
Neurosurgery & Spinal Procedures
For pets with spinal disorders, tumors, or severe IVDD, we provide advanced surgical intervention in-house, including spinal stabilization and tumor removal, improving recovery outcomes.
Medical Management
Not all neurologic conditions require surgery. We provide long-term medical care for seizures, pain management, inflammatory conditions, and other chronic neurologic disorders.
Common Neurologic Conditions We Treat
Seizures in Dogs and Cats
We evaluate all types of seizures, from single events to recurring clusters. Our neurologist designs treatment plans with medications, lifestyle guidance, and monitoring tailored to your pet.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
IVDD can cause back pain, limb weakness, or paralysis. We provide diagnostic imaging, surgical intervention, and non-surgical management depending on the severity.
IVDD: Intervertebral Disc Disease >
Vestibular Disease
Pets with sudden loss of balance, head tilt, or circling may have vestibular disorders. We evaluate the inner ear, brain, and spine to determine treatment options.
Vestibular Disease page >
Spinal Tumors & Congenital Conditions
We treat pets with spinal tumors, congenital malformations, or compressive lesions, providing both surgical and medical management depending on the case.
Other Neurologic Disorders
Additional conditions include brain tumors, degenerative disorders, inflammatory or immune-mediated diseases, and more. Our team tailors diagnostics and care plans for each pet.
Locations & Service Areas
We provide specialized veterinary neurology care for pets throughout Vancouver, SW Washington, East Portland, Camas, and the greater Portland metro area. Finding a neurologist near me has never been easier — our convenient location ensures pets receive expert care close to home.
Why Choose Pacific Northwest Pet ER & Specialty Center?
Board-Certified Neurologist
Our neurologist has advanced training in neurology and neurosurgery, offering expertise for complex neurologic cases.
Advanced In-House Technology
We provide MRI, CT, surgical suites, and lab testing on-site, reducing stress for pets and improving diagnostic speed.
Convenient Access for Local Pets
We are strategically located to serve SW Washington, Vancouver, East Portland, Camas, and the greater Portland metro area, providing expert care without long travel times. Many pets and owners in the greater Portland metro area can reach our clinic in about 20–25 minutes by car, making it a convenient option for neurologic care from neighborhoods across Portland, including those east of the Willamette River and near downtown Portland.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Do I Know if My Pet Needs a Neurologist?
Signs include seizures, weakness, paralysis, back pain, head tilt, or abnormal gait. Early evaluation improves outcomes.
Do you Perform MRIs and CT Scans On-site?
Yes, our advanced imaging is available on-site for rapid and accurate diagnosis.
What is The Treatment Process for IVDD?
Treatment ranges from medical management to surgical intervention, depending on severity.
Can You Handle Emergencies or After-hours Cases?
Yes, we are an emergency-ready specialty center serving pets throughout SW Washington and Portland metro.
How Do Prices Compare to Other Area Hospitals?
With the growing cost of veterinary care, we have done thorough research into the market and priced our care at or below other major hospitals. In Washington State, veterinary services are not subject to sales tax. This means that fees for exams, diagnostics, treatments, and surgeries at our clinic are tax-exempt, so you only pay for the care your pet receives.
