Why neuro exams must be fast, systematic, and documented

At the Klivet 16th Spring Congress in Turkiye, Prof. Ahmet Ozak described veterinary neurology as a field where time is the limiting factor. Unlike many orthopedic cases where surgery can be delayed, neurological patients require rapid decision-making, making a proper, structured neurologic exam essential.

Ozak said clinicians should standardize two core components: a cranial (brain) exam and a spinal exam, performed systematically to support accurate localization and prognosis. In his experience, the number-one question from pet owners is simple and difficult: “Will my dog or cat walk?” He noted that giving percentages is harder in neurology than in orthopedics, which makes exam quality and clear communication even more critical.

A key operational takeaway is documentation. Ozak emphasized using a neurologic examination form and taking notes at every exam, so pre-operative findings can be compared with post-operative status. Without consistent records, he said, teams may forget details weeks later, limiting their ability to assess improvement, stability, or worsening.

On technology, Ozak called the impact of MRI and CT “magnificent,” recalling that when he started his academic career in the early 1990s, clinics had to rely mainly on X-rays, which are often insufficient for neurology. Advanced imaging helps guide treatment choices, supports prognosis decisions, and allows post-treatment evaluation of outcomes.

He also highlighted growth in imaging capacity in Turkiye, saying that in recent years multiple veterinary imaging centers have opened in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, and that some private hospitals in Istanbul have their own MRI units. In his view, this expansion helps the country catch up with Europe and the US in advanced neurology workflows.

Finally, Ozak said Turkish veterinarians are increasingly pursuing structured training (including graduate study and focused workshops) as neurologic disease recognition rises. He described strong collaboration between academia and private practice, including case consultations and MRI review, and emphasized that smaller, high-quality training groups can deliver better results than large audiences.

You can watch the full exclusive interview on our official YouTube channel.