"Practical Neurology", is the newest subject in Dr. Blount's Practical Seminars Series. As all seminars in the practical series, this is a Saturday & Sunday 17 CE Hour companion animal seminar.

This seminar is composed of, and supported by: interactive lectures, numerous Power Point presentations, videos, handouts, and a Guest Speaker (see Speakers Tab).

The focus of this seminar is on techniques for evaluating, diagnosing, and treating dogs and cats with common neurological problems, including the brain, spinal cord, and network of nerves.

Featured in this seminar are basic to advanced practical principles of Neurology you can put to use immediately in your clinic for both dogs and cats. We will also explore ways to manage canine and feline patients with neurological challenges to give them the best quality of life.

Aditionally, we'll answer the following important common questions:

• What is the best way to control seizures in a busy general practice that does not have access to 24-hour care? Should you go with the newer drugs, or stay with the old stand-by phenobarbital? When do you need an IV drip, and how do you do it?

• Dogs and cats have aching backs just like we do. When is it OK just to medicate and wait, and what are the red flags to watch for telling us that more imaging like x-rays and ultrasound may be needed? What are the clues that it is time to refer for advanced imaging such as CT and MRI? We will answer the age old question, NSAIDs or steroids?

• We will cover what to do with the collapsing patient. Is it lack of oxygen, a type of seizure, a muscle problem like exercise induced collapse or even something rare like narcolepsy?

• Did you know that a spinal tap is way easier than spaying a big fat dog? We'll take you through the steps, in case you ever want to try, as well as cover what can be gained by doing it in private practice with out any access to advanced imaging.

• What's the best way to manage the head traumas we all see when referral to an ER or neurologist is just not possible? They will come, and we need to be prepared to provide care that is doable out in the trenches.

The Neurologic Exam is the starting point from which to diagnose neurologic conditions. We will thoroughly discuss how to carry out the best and most complete Neurologic Exam. It is so much more than tapping the knees and flipping the toes. In just a few minutes, the well planned Neuro Exam can tell you whether the problem is in the brain, neck, trunk, tail end or all of these.