We are incredibly grateful for the Veterinary Neurology Center and the care our dogs received. At the end of last year, my dog Mato had surgery with Dr. Kiley Jensen, and this year my other dog Aigg was diagnosed with IVDD and treated by Dr. Stacy Dillard. Dr. Dillard helped with both Aigg and Mato, and she made a huge difference for us during a really difficult time. She always took the time to call, make sure I understood what was going on, and talk through the situation and options with me. She was patient, thoughtful, and very kind. It was clear she genuinely cared, not just about the medical side, but about how overwhelmed I was as well. I also really appreciate Dr. Emily Sun and Dr. Philip Schissler for checking in on Mato and helping along the way. Everyone at the clinic was warm and caring, and they even managed to squeeze in surgery when my dog was in a very severe condition. This team saved both of my dogs and helped me get through one of the hardest times of my life. I trust them completely and would strongly recommend the Veterinary Neurology Center. read more

I can't thank Veterinary Neurology and Dr Sun enough for the excellent care we just received for my dog, Jack. Dr Sun spent almost an hour with me and my dog evaluating his extensive medical history. Jack has been partially paralyzed for ten years but has always been happy go lucky never letting his disability get the best of him. But as he has gotten older it's gotten progressively harder to get around and he has been in extensive for about a year. For about $300 I got a consult with a specialist who truly cared about unraveling what was causing my dog's pain. We ran a mini blood work to check his liver and kidneys and came home with meds to help him feel better. Oh boy! And feel better he did! Our dog is back after a year of vet visits with no results or relief. Thank you Dr Sun! You are truly a compassionate caring doctor. I wholeheartedly recommend Veterinary Neurology Center and Dr Sun for likely some of the most excellent care I've ever experienced and I've owned a lot of dogs over the years. read more

Veterinary Neurology Center - Jack happy to be outdoors again without pain - Veterinarians Near Me - Tustin, California

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Where do I even begin? This place deserves 100 stars. From the moment I called to get information, I knew in that moment I had to bring my dachshund here. My four year-old boy started showing symptoms of IVDD and was already dragging his back legs. All the girls at the front desk were very friendly and they took us into a room right away where we met and talked to Dr. Jensen. She was very thorough, knowledgeable and sweet I felt very comfortable knowing that she was going to perform surgery on Winston. Dr. Jensen performed surgery on him that day, called me after his MRI results and called me after his surgery. It was so nice to hear from her that day because I was a nervous wreck but her calls gave me a piece of mind knowing that my boy was well taken care of . Not to mention the rest of the staff ! They spoiled him and even sent me pictures of him which made me feel so happy knowing that he was in good hands. By the third day after his surgery, , he was already moving his left leg, which was the one where he absolutely had no feeling . Winston is now on his fourth week postop and is doing great. Dr Jensen is amazing and thanks to her my boy can walk and practically run now if I let him. I cannot recommend this place enough. Thank you VNC! read more

Veterinary Neurology Center - Winston 4 weeks post op - Veterinarians Near Me - Tustin, California

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Extremely disappointing experience. I spent over 30 minutes on the phone before this appointment carefully explaining that my 13-year-old dog has stress-induced seizures and that minimizing stress during the visit was critical. I was repeatedly reassured that accommodations would "not be a problem." After driving there and arriving for the appointment, the staff suddenly acted as if that conversation never happened and informed me they do not examine patients outside at my car. Completely different story from what I had been told beforehand. The first doctor who came out showed very little empathy while discussing a senior dog who had just experienced multiple seizures days earlier. Rather than trying to problem-solve or work with me in any way, the interaction quickly became dismissive and adversarial. When I asked to speak to someone else because I did not feel heard, another doctor came out and told me they no longer wanted me as a client. That was their solution instead of attempting to communicate or help. What bothered me most was not even the policy itself , it was the complete lack of compassion, consistency, and professionalism after setting expectations that directly influenced my decision to bring my dog there in the first place. If your pet has anxiety, neurologic issues, or stress-triggered conditions, I would think carefully before coming here. read more

The doctors and staff are amazing! My little guy was seen right away and had emergency surgery the same day. I am grateful for the care that was provided. Highly recommend! read more

if i could give 10 stars, i would. i had this placed saved under "rocky" for all this medical needs. my bff had taken rocky's dad here a couple years back after we were searching for a trustworthy neurology center. so i can't believe i am writing this now. my primary vet (PAW Veterinary Center in RB) could not diagnose my furbaby. it went from tummy issues to possible torn "acl" in the knees to the spine, possible ivdd. after multiple visits to that vet and thousands of $$ (without pet insurance) my baby was getting worse, the meds prescribed weren't helping. i called veterinary neurology center, cori answered the phone, i imagined i sounded so distraught when i called on a monday, she was so kind and patient and asked me all the right questions. we both knew i needed to take him in as soon as possible. i got an appt three days later (thursday) with dr yenlie furman. dr furman listened to our concerns and we felt so comforted during rocky's exam. we went over the time line of events and his symptoms. she wanted to get a MRI done. she assured me it was not his back or knees that were making rocky act out of his character. she said it was either the neck or brain and needed the MR to confirm. YES, do whatever you need to help my baby. we opted to wait, we grabbed lunch nearby, I received txts on updates. long story short, my baby had a inoperable brain tumor that was growing within his brain, pushing pressure against his spinal cord, which made all the sense in the world. but, my baby having cancer? how? why? dr furman went over the MR images and X-Rays, we went through meds and next options. she offered to lay him the rest then but i refused as i wanted to take him home for just a few more days. rocky's health was declining fast as he had an aggressive tumor. the prognosis was poor and i needed to make a decision quickly. we called back saturday to request same day "forever nap" we met with dr. kiley jensen, who perform his nap time. she was very compassionate til the very end. we had a private room and stayed for as long as we wanted. im really lost for words. rocky was my child. it is so heartbreaking to lose that type of love. aimee and stephanie the dr assistants were truly amazing, handled the process with care and respect. veterinary neurology center is the only specialty center in socal that focuses on management of neurological conditions for dogs and cats. so save this! parking: they have two offices, we were in both, they are both located towards the back of the buildings. 3069 and 3051. but no issues with parking at either office. rest up sugarplum. read more

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Fantastic experience. I was visiting my son from out of state when my dog became very painful. They got me in the next day and she had an mri and surgery that day. They explained everything so that I understood and also was fully informed. Dr Dillard was amazing and has a great bedside manner. Aimee the tech was wonderful too. I was a basket case and they were both very understanding, the physician and tech on discharge day were also wonderful as were the front desk staff. I highly recommend this Center. read more

It is with full confidence I recommend Veterinary Neurology Center to you. Suddenly, our 6 year old beagle was in constant pain. His amazing regular vet ran blood work, took x-rays, did an ultra sound and put him on meds. He determined Winston needed to seen by a neurologist and was adamant to only take him to Veterinary Neurology Center in Tustin. Dr. Schissler and the entire staff are exceptional. Dr. Schissler gave Winston one week to show improvement before performing an MRI. Ultimately, an MRI revealed a ruptured, extruding disc between C6 & C7. Dr. Schissler preformed surgery and the very next day Winston walked out with no limp and he had immediate relief. We are still amazed. Winston can once again walk, run, itch, bark, perk his ears and do all the things we took for granted. Our family is very grateful to Dr. Schissler and everyone at Veterinary Neurology Center. read more

Veterinary Neurology Center - After - Veterinarians Near Me - Tustin, California

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Dr. Hanson saved our golden retriever's life. Having observed something off about our dog, at first we took her to a different facility that accused our dog of being high even after repeatedly telling them there is no and has never been any cannabis in our home. They simply could not come up with any other diagnosis and suggested that her "high" will probably just eventually wear off. We took our dog home, but something just didn't feel right. My wife then instinctively took her to Veterinary Neurology Center, and Dr. Hanson immediately diagnosed a neurological issue, performed a spinal tap/MRI to confirm, and prescribed treatment that saved her life. Thank you, Dr. Hanson! read more

I couldn't recommend this place enough. After several hopeless weeks of worsening IVDD symptoms despite strict rest with our wiener dog, we were referred to VNC. They scheduled an appointment two days in advance on a Saturday, and had our boy's surgery done that night. The urgency, care, and thoroughness of the treatment brought back the happy boy we were scared we lost. I understand the daunting price of surgery, but you pay a premium for top-notch care. After all, it's SPINE surgery, I wouldn't want to trust me boy with what I felt was a discounted service. Our pet insurance helped cover a big chunk of the cost, and I'd pay it again if I had to. If you find yourself in the same place I was scrolling through countless reviews of different vets hoping to find SOME kind of solution for your pup, take my word: VNC is somewhere you can trust taking your pup. They changed ours' life for the better. read more

Veterinary Neurology Center - Veterinarians Near Me - Tustin, California

The dr was so sweet and knew so much ! I left with so much information to help my Girl . He didn't push additional testing just what was necessary to treat. Great Experience! read more

My experience with Veterinary Neurology Center in Tustin has been exceptional, and I cannot speak highly enough of Dr. Yenlie Furman and her team. My young rescue dog, Grace Kelly, recently underwent cervical spine surgery. From the moment we arrived, every member of the staff was incredibly attentive, professional, and kind. Their warmth put both Grace and me at ease during a very stressful time. Grace's surgeon, Dr. Furman, was everything I could have hoped for in a specialist--knowledgeable, empathetic, and deeply reassuring. She took the time to answer all of my questions with patience and clarity, helping me feel confident about proceeding with ventral slot surgery. Her expertise and care quite literally saved Grace's mobility. Remarkably, Grace was already acting like her playful self just one day after surgery. A special thank you also to Aimee, Dr. Furman's assistant, whose warmth and compassion made a stressful time feel manageable. From pre-op to post-op, she was gentle with Grace and incredibly kind to me, with thoughtful communications every step of the way. This team is a rare find--highly skilled, compassionate, and deeply committed to both their pet patients and the humans who love them. Their skill and dedication gave Grace the best chance at a healthy future, and I believe she has many happy, mobile years ahead because of them. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend VNC to anyone needing first-rate neurologic care for their pet. read more

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I highly recommend VNC, I come here biweekly to see dr. Heller for my dog's acupuncture and I could not be happier with how she truly cares for my pet and always guiding me towards the best home care ad well. Dr. Heller is genuinely passionate about what she does and goes above and beyond for her patients. The staff is always so kind as well and make sure they make you feel very comfortable. read more

Veterinary Neurology Center - Veterinarians Near Me - Tustin, California

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THE BEST veterinary care and staff imaginable: Dr. Kiley Jensen at the Veterinary Neurology Center is nothing short of exceptional. After our beloved dog suddenly progressed from a leg injury to complete paralysis, several local veterinarians referred us to Dr. Jensen. Her expertise was immediately evident as she meticulously examined our boy and ordered an MRI, taking extra precautions due to his pre-existing health conditions. What truly sets Dr. Jensen apart is her remarkable combination of medical brilliance and genuine compassion. She explained everything with clarity and patience. Dr. Jensen explored every possible avenue for treatment, leaving no stone unturned in her efforts to help our boy. She never pushed us toward any decision but provided honest, compassionate counsel that centered our boy's comfort and dignity. We couldn't have asked for a more skilled, empathetic, and caring veterinarian and support team. Dr. Jensen's dedication to both her patients and their human families is truly extraordinary. I would bring every dog i have needing a neurological specialist to Veterinary Neurology Center and Dr. Jensen every single time. read more

Dr. Furman at the Veterinary Neurology Center was incredible during one of the hardest moments for our family. She was extremely knowledgeable and so compassionate when she diagnosed our dog, Roxy, with a brain tumor. She took the time to clearly explain all the risks, side effects, and options--both with and without treatment--so we could make the best decision for Roxy. We are so grateful for her guidance, honesty, and care. read more

very surprised that after 8 years twice a yearof Dr Dugas treating our dear "Vinny" and spending over$20,000, upon hearing of Vinny's death she didn't have the common courtesy to find out what happened or to give us a condolence card. She might have gained some knowledge to use on other patients as well Very disappointing!!! read more

Not only are the best priced of many neurologists we looked into they have been truly the best! If you find yourself in the difficult place of needing spine surgery for your dog, you can take comfort in knowing this is the right place at the best value. Thank you to everyone at VNC! read more

The cost of the surgery was upward of 10k and below 15k. Use CareCredit when possible to offset the immediate payments. read more

Veterinary Neurology Center - Grant post-surgery. - Veterinarians Near Me - Tustin, California

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We are so happy with the care we received from Dr. Furman and the team at Veterinary Neurology Center. From start to finish, the care and communication were tops. It was also very easy to reach out to them with any concerns we had after the surgery. Our 9 year old terrier/poodle suddenly stopped using his back legs and needed emergency back surgery. They were able to take care of him the same day as an emergency add-in. The recovery at home has been a lot of work as they shared would be, but it has been totally worth it. It is now five weeks later, and we are over-the-moon we have our sweet boy back and feeling better. I can't express how grateful I am. Our family sends so much praise and thanks to Dr. Furman and Veterinary Neurology Center. Highly recommend!!! read more

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UPDATE..... Dr. Jensen has been soooooo amazing! She has followed up several times and alerted us that the Meningitis Encephalitis was probably due to the Distemper vaccination. ...so the vaccination that is supposed to keep my dog healthy almost kills him? Interesting?? Nevertheless, this place is amazing and saved him! I can't thank the doctors and staff enough! Highly recommend! read more

Veterinary Neurology Center - Veterinarians Near Me - Tustin, California

They took great care of my Onyx when he had to have back surgery. They were accommodating, informative and took time to explain our options.

I can't say enough good things about our experience here despite getting bad news about our dog. The front desk staff is inviting and welcoming. We were brought into a private room with blankets on the floor for our dog to lay on. There were 10 MRI's scheduled on this particular day, which meant a long wait for our dog. They communicated this up front, let us sit with our dog until he was ready, offered us water, then let us leave for 3 hours while they prepped him for his MRI. They messaged us when the MRI began, and Dr Dillard followed up with a phone call and explained the results when he was done. The news wasn't good. She was up front with us yet compassionate. We drove 45 mins to the clinic to get our dog, and despite arriving after their business hours, Dr Dillard went over the MRI results with us for 15-20 minutes and answered all our questions patiently. We were somewhat in denial and badly wanted her to lie to us and give us glimmers of hope. But she did not sugarcoat it and once again was direct with us. She was empathetic and caring. It was just so obvious she could feel our pain. I am truly grateful for her kindness. Her assistants had similarly excellent bedside manner. All told, I can't recommend this place enough. read more

After calling so many places between California, Arizona & even Mexico I was so grateful to come across Veterinary Neurology Center. When I initially called, Michelle was super helpful and friendly. She was able to get my boy Crixus scheduled to be seen. We met with Dr. Dillard, she was very kind, thorough and explained everything to me, sadly a few things she had to explain a couple of times. The stress was not helping in retaining anything she said. While I do not wish to have to see Dr. Dillard again, for the sake of my boy and his health, I am glad to have found a vet that I like. She seems very good at what she does and truly cares. She explained my options and I decided to move forward with MRI & tap testing. We are now anxiously awaiting results. The office was clean, everyone we encountered was super friendly. The cost was fair. I had prepared myself for far worse and was pleasantly surprised that it was on the lower end of what I had found online for "average" costs. The location was easy to get too and there was ample parking. Should my boy need to continue with a neurologist, we will definitely make the needed trek out to see Dr. Dillard. read more

Our experience as a parents for our Fur baby mickey is exceptional. From the crew at the front desc to assisting our beloved dachshund mickey who are being handled by Dr. Philip Schissler his extreme level of professionalism , he gave our baby Boy his life back, now he is so active again. Thank upu so much. Dr Philip. read more

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Excellent care for my dog. He needed emergency back surgery on a Sunday night. Dr. Furman was outstanding. Buddy is recovering very well. The Vet tech and front office women are top notch!!!! read more

It's been 3 months post IVDD surgery for our little man and he's been recovering well. We had an emergency surgery for our 5 year old dachshund in the beginning of July after my pup started losing his mobility on his hind legs. There was nothing specific that caused it because as we know, it is very common with these breeds. I was aware of the possibilities upon rescuing him at 2 years old. Dr. Dillard was so helpful and answered all of our questions. She was very patient with us as we were with her knowing that this is something she specializes in and she has a very busy schedule. We really put our trust in her and we wouldn't have had it any other way. She was confident that he was going to walk again if we didn't wait too long. Thank goodness we were proactive about getting the surgery 4 days after he started dragging his legs because he had 3 large ruptured discs in his spine which Dr. Dillard explained was not common in dachshunds but more for french bulldogs. He did take a lot longer to heal and he definitely had good days and bad days. It was really important that we crated him and restricted him from doing his normal activities to help with his progress. With this surgery be prepared to pay $$ because this surgery is not cheap. If you have Care Credit, use it for it's 0% interest for 12 months. My little man is now walking and we are doing stretches in the morning, laser light therapy and hydrotherapy to help exercise his back legs. I highly recommend Dr. Dillard and this office. read more

Veterinary Neurology Center - Veterinarians Near Me - Tustin, California

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I cannot say enough good things about this facility. From the front receptionists to everyone in the back! They are the most caring and knowledgeable team. I wouldn't trust anybody else with my dog. Bear had a ruptured disc in 2020 that left him paralyzed and required surgery. Dr. Dillard did an amazing job and was moving his back legs within a week and walking soon after. Even during the pandemic lockdown, they were so attentive and made sure that all of my questions were answered and kept us both at ease through the process. He continues to have IVDD flare ups like any other dog would after a major injury but they are always quick to get us an appointment and/or medication if we need it. I recently brought him in for what i thought was IVDD pain and they were able to get him and MRI the same day and had a treatment plan. When he was still painful after a week, Dr. Dillard requested we come back in and made sure to rule out any other injury before continuing treatment for his back. They even got a consult for a neighboring orthopedic vet in the same center during our original appointment to continue ruling possibilities out. Dr. Dillard is so thorough and really cares about her patients and their quality of life. The receptionists and vet techs are also wonderful and quick to help in any way possible. Hands down THE BEST veterinary neurology center. read more

Veterinary Neurology Center - Veterinarians Near Me - Tustin, California

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Hi- I am a referring veterinarian and Veterinary Neurology Center has been absolutely amazing. All my patients and clients are very happy with their services and expertise. The specialists always return my call about case consultations same day as well. I cannot thank their kindness enough. These are specialists that are practical and empathetic. Their team has been amazing as well, messages are always delivered immediately. Highly recommend! read more

Dr Schissler is amazing. A true angel on this earth. We took our frenchie in for another IVDD flare up expecting to spend lots of $$$$$ and Dr Schissler was so honest about outcome rates of two completely different treatment routes. He was so personable and took the time to explain EVERYTHING. We are home now resting praying for a quick and easy recovery. Thank you DR SCHISSLER!!! read more

What a wonderful experience from start to finish. Staff was super welcoming, prompt, and professional. Often times even with an appointment, there is a wait, but they got me in right on time. Dr. Schissler was so warm and personable that you felt you were just talking to a good friend. I can be long winded and he never made me feel as if I was saying or asking too much. There were no unnecessary diagnostics required, so getting quality care without the financial burden is so much appreciated. Exam room was so nice with large windows to the outside (a first!) and comfortable furniture. Before I left, Dr. said to email him in 2 weeks and that we will be doing this for the next 10yrs or so. It's a simple thing to say, but it made me feel that I found someone who is invested and committed to my pet's wellbeing and that really meant the world cuz this pup is my world. A much needed relief and assurance after weeks of sleepless nights. Thank you, Dr. Schissler, for listening and your kind care! read more

I hate to say we were back, but there was nowhere else I would trust with my boy. When Napoleon seemed to be having another IVDD episode I knew exactly who to call. Everyone from the front office, to the vet techs, and all the doctors at VNC are knowledgable and caring. They helped me get him in right away and kept me up to date every step. This time the slipped disc was in his neck and Dr. Hansen did the surgery. Within days Napoleon was already improving and by 6 weeks he was back to his normal, happy self. Even during the weekend after surgery when he was having horrible anxiety they were able to help me over the phone and Amy even stayed on the line with me to make sure the pharmacy received the prescription order. Your little ones will be in great hands here. I cannot thank everyone at VNC enough! read more

Veterinary Neurology Center - 6 weeks post back surgery being his normal goofy self! - Veterinarians Near Me - Tustin, California

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Amazing I couldn't ask for a better vet the doctor and staff and nurses etc all the best I recommend everyone all my friends to come here now even my family with pets these are the best. read more

This neuro vet is a GODSEND! My Boston had been through hell in a shelter for six weeks. (He was my daughter's dog for 11 years. She got arrested and doggy was impounded) He was denied for me to adopt for SIX WEEKS because the lady at the shelter wasn't going to give him to me because she's a judgy lady on a power trip. Told absolutely not the entire time. I finally called the mayor and got him the next day. He came to me with a serious neck issue after being in the shelter. They knew about the issue because he was sent home on meds for it. He was screaming in pain for almost a month. Of course I went to my vet right away for almost a month. My vet ultimately referred me here after treatment didn't work. He was immediately sent for MRI and ultimately surgery. He had 2 slipped disks. He is alive because I called the mayor and got him OUT! He is alive because of Dr Dillard's expertise and quick actions. I will forever be truly GRATEFUL! read more

Where do I start ? From the first time time I made Chip's appointment till the end the whole staff has done an amazing job. A big thank you to the front girls they are so welcoming they answered all my questions from day one. Dr Schissler we appreciate everything, thank you for getting Chip into surgery before the date scheduled. Now my boy is back to normal. Went in and he wasn't able to walk and when I picked him up 2 days later my boy was able to walk and all the pain is gone. (Chip had ventral slot- cervical surgery done). read more

Veterinary Neurology Center - Veterinarians Near Me - Tustin, California

My dog was in so much pain and I had been in and out of emergency animal hospitals and with his primary vet. We speculated that he was suffering from Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), but knew it was time to see a specialist. We were referred to Veterinary Neurology Center in Tustin and have had THE BEST EXPERIENCE EVER! This is such an amazing Center in a convenient location. There is ample parking. The front of the establishment as well as the inside is super clean and kept up so well. It is such a warm and inviting environment. Every single staff member who I dealt with here, whether it was someone I spoke with on the phone, the front desk staff, and the doctors are absolutely PHENOMENAL. They are just so genuinely sweet and such understanding and kind people. When you come here for a visit, you do not feel like another number or appointment slot. They treat you with such kindness and respect. They are super efficient and get you into a room right away. Their rooms are so inviting, clean, and really nice! I did not have to wait at all and Dr. Schissler came in right away. I was completely BLOWN AWAY with how great his bedside manner was. He spent so much time with my dog and me. He did not leave the room until I understood completely what was happening, the options, the pros and cons, and all of my questions were answered. He did an extremely thorough exam on my dog and was so knowledgeable. He really had great experience and knew what he was talking about. He was confident and kept up to date on research. I was so so grateful for the amount of time that he spent with me to answer all of my questions. I left this Center feeling so much better and completely at ease with the plan that we had in place. When I checked out, the staff were so friendly again and treated me with attention and respect. We came in a couple of weeks later for a follow up appointment and my experience was consistent with what I had mentioned above. Again, all of the staff were super friendly and I didn't feel like a number or an appointment that they were trying to get through. My dog and I were brought right in and were seen right away. Dr. Schissler was super thorough again, gave my dog a great exam, and spoke with me until all of my questions were answered. At the end of the appointment, the staff were super friendly again, they didn't charge me for the follow up visit, and they were just so kind! I hope that we do not have to come back, but if my dog experiences any issues related to the reason why we came here, then I would not go anywhere else but here ever again! This Center has earned my trust and my respect. They go above and beyond to make you feel heard and important. I am so grateful for their help with my little Zuma and I highly highly recommend them! read more

This center saved my dog's life & legs! My 6-year-old dachshund beagle mix started having an IVDD episode about 6 weeks ago. Last week, he went down in his back legs and I was so distraught, thinking he'd be paralyzed for life or would lose his life altogether. Other vets were unclear about his condition and did not give good advice for this urgent issue. I'm so glad I brought him here. Within two days of his first appointment, he had surgery scheduled. it went absolutely fabulously + he will walk again! Communication, professionalism and honesty are top-notch here. Plus, my dog's surgery ended up being under the quoted price. He was in such good hands + is now on the road to recovery. If you are frantically searching for an answer about your dog's neurological issue, GO HERE. They will lead you with compassion + knowledge every step of the way. read more

Veterinary Neurology Center - Uno's IVDD surgery was a success! On the road to recovery. Thank you VNC!!! - Veterinarians Near Me - Tustin, California

I brought my French Bulldog here in November 2023 for IVDD. I was told by another neurologist that she needed surgery to fix the issue. I went to Dr Shissler for a second opinion and after one visit he restored my faith in humanity. Dr Shissler was extremely HONEST and informed me the surgery recommended by the other doctor would not work. He is not only very ethical but spent a great deal of time and care with us. I am truly thankful for Dr Shissler or I would have undoubtedly moved forward with an Unnecessary and Costly Surgery by another neurologist. read more

Veterinary Neurology Center - Thank you Dr Shissler! My sweet Harper is doing well! - Veterinarians Near Me - Tustin, California

I visited Veterinary Neurology Center with my young dog that had lost function of her back legs and was diagnosed with IVDD by her primary vet. They informed us of general treatment options & prescribed her medication to start right away. I wanted to visit a specialist that was better suited to provide the detailed information about IVDD. I went into this appointment extremely hopeful despite the worry in the back of my head that we could not afford the surgical option. I thought it would ease my mind. When making the appointment, I'd expressed this concern and that my desire was to learn about conservative treatment options. My husband sensed a "bad energy" from this office before we'd even spoken to a doctor, but I'd disregarded so I could focus on my dog's wellbeing only. Unfortunately, he was right. In our experience, this office is only motivated by their patient's money. The staff (with the exception of 1 care coordinator that checked us in & out) and doctor didn't demonstrate any compassion or empathy. We didn't feel the doctor's love for animals that you'd expect from a vet. The doctor spent about 20 minutes total with us- maybe two minutes actually interacting with our dog and the rest of the time speaking to the procedure & its cost. She did elaborate on what IVDD is in layman's terms which I did appreciate. I'd expressed that we are not in the position to pay almost $15,000 on the spot for the surgery, nor is it an option for us to finance that large amount. After that, she'd essentially checked out as if she'd lost a sale and said she'd have her assistant bring us resources to look into. We never saw her again. Non-surgical treatment was NEVER discussed. Only the surgery and its price tag. Her assistant (more like a high ticket closer) was extremely cold and lacked empathy. She didn't look in our dog's direction once. She brought us the itemized surgical estimate, recommended finance options, and provided non-profits to get in contact with. When communicating this, the tone/interest seemed more geared into "closing the deal" rather than treating our dog and giving her the best possible outcome. I am appreciative of the efforts in writing down the non-profits to look up, but they were all simple Google searches I could have done myself. The majority of the programs were either halted due to lack of funds, took months to process applications, or had strict eligibility requirements that we did not fall under. We were put under pressure to get in contact with these organizations right away, and in my heightened emotions, I tried-- but it's unrealistic that ONE phone call would result in an organization sending that large sum within the hour(s) they wanted to take her back for MRI/surgery. She gave us the privacy to look into these options, and upon checking in with us, we let her know those same details and reiterated that it is impossible for us to pay $13.9k on the spot. Then, she had asked if we'd be able to proceed with the procedure if they lowered the cost to $8,000. Then and there, my husband and I both knew we had to leave. That offer was incredibly off-putting-- they didn't lower the cost because they had compassion for my financial situation or truly cared about my dog's recovery. We hadn't felt that at any point in our time here. They lowered the cost because they wanted the money, and this was obvious to us throughout our entire visit because there was an utter lack of focus on our dog. The focus was solely on our ability to pay. We had again declined this offer and the response we received was "let us know if you change your mind." This sent me over the edge. Change my mind? My mind was made up- I WANT to give my dog the best chances of recovery possible that's still within reach considering my financial circumstances. The majority of people aren't in the position to dish out such a large amount unexpectedly, and I didn't appreciate this final remark from the doctor's assistant that implied we just didn't care enough to figure out how to pay. Money doesn't magically appear, it doesn't grow on trees, non-profits don't hand out free money because you call and ask for it. Although we couldn't do surgery because of the cost, we're 100% able to invest in the non-surgical treatments (acupuncture, laser therapy, water/physical therapy) over time to aid her healing. I came to this office to learn about these options, and it was never even touched on. We left feeling like we wasted $170 to sit through a sales pitch. Our experience here was incredibly disappointing, and it seems like the only way you and your dog will have a good experience is if you're dishing out thousands. I wish we'd had a more positive outcome. read more

A year ago, our French Bulldog just all of a sudden had full paralysis in his hind legs. Thankfully we were able to get him evaluated by Dr. Dillard and required an emergent laminectomy. Dr. Dillard thoroughly explained the surgery and what to expect post-procedure. She also provided daily phone calls for updates till day of discharged. Happy to report that our little potato is running and enjoying life his best life with his little big brother (a Dalmatian). THANK YOU to Dr. Dillard and her team. read more

Veterinary Neurology Center - Veterinarians Near Me - Tustin, California

5 stars aren't enough to express my gratitude to Dr. Schissler and all the staff at Veterinary Neurology Center! Should your dog ever have any serious spinal emergencies, this is the best shot you have at giving them a chance to walk again. 4 weeks ago, my sweet 8 pound Maltese mix was diagnosed with Stage 5 IVDD caused by a spinal disc rupture. He went from being able to walk/run/jump to being completely paralyzed in both his rear legs in a couple of hours. I took him to a local emergency vet in Bakersfield, who turned us down as they didn't consider his injury life-threatening. We drove down to our local vet in Pasadena, who could only prescribe us pain medications and a couple of recommendations to hospitals in Los Angeles with a Neurology department. They were all booked for weeks/months, and even though we went into the facility, they would not see us. With Stage 5 IVDD, you usually only have about 24 hours to get surgery before permanent paralysis. While Googling vet neuro centers all of California, I finally came across this place and drove there as fast as possible. I walked in, panicked, and was explaining my dog's emergency to the nurses at the front desk. One nurse in particular (I didn't get her name - she had long black hair & blue eyes) greeted me with such warmth and told me that everything was going to be okay and that they would get me on the schedule to see a doctor the same day. Within the hour, I was able to get set up with Dr. Schissler for an initial consult and find out what solutions were available for my dog. He thoroughly examined my dog's current condition, even getting on the floor to be on eye level with him. My best bet was to get him an MRI to confirm the injury type/location and get him surgery in my dog's situation. Through my million questions, Dr. Schissler never rushed me and provided me with science-based information while also explaining it to me in an easy way to understand. That same day, my dog was able to meet with one of the best vet neurologists on staff, get a consult, get an MRI, and surgery. Dr. Schissler & the team even stayed after closing hours to fit my dog in the schedule. In addition, he also called me personally after MRI, before surgery, after surgery, and a couple of times during his overnight stay to keep me updated on my baby's healing. Even when I called multiple times during my dog's hospital stay, every single nurse always gave me a quick update and ensured me that my dog was doing well in their care. Dr. Schissler & the team truly cared about my dog as if he was their own. Without any hesitation, they took me in last minute even though the hospital had a full schedule, unlike many other hospitals in the LA area. I am so blessed and grateful to share that my dog is walking & running just 4 WEEKS after his surgery; he went from completely paralyzed and unable to feel his rear legs to getting full motion back. I feel like I won the lottery by coming across this facility and meeting Dr. Schissler. My dog is on the road to being back to 100%, all thanks to him & the staff at Veterinary Neurology Center. read more

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