Advanced Neurological Care for Your Pet
Why Choose Our Neurology Team?
Expert neurological and neurosurgical care for pets throughout Wisconsin and beyond. Our board-certified neurologists diagnose and treat complex disorders of the brain, spine, and nerves to restore your pet’s quality of life.
Why See a Board-Certified Veterinary Neurologist?
When your pet experiences seizures, unexplained pain, weakness, or loss of coordination, specialized care can make all the difference. Our neurologists have advanced training to localize and treat the root cause of neurological problems.
Advanced Training and Expertise
Drs. Joy Delamaide Gasper and Jeanie Lau are board-certified veterinary neurologists who have completed intensive residencies in neurology and neurosurgery. They are experts in interpreting advanced imaging and performing delicate procedures.
Specialized Diagnostic & Treatment Tools
Our department features high-field (1.5T) MRI, CT imaging, video otoscopy for ear-related issues, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis for precise diagnosis of complex neurological conditions.
Tailored Treatment Plans
We develop comprehensive, individualized strategies that may include advanced neurosurgery, medication management, or holistic support, always focusing on your pet's comfort and independence.
Collaborative Care Approach
We take a team-based approach, consulting with your primary veterinarian and other specialists—like dermatologists for chronic ear issues or surgeons for joint problems—to ensure your pet receives complete, coordinated care.
Meet our Neurology Staff:
Dr. Joy Delamaide Gasper is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Neurology). She has advanced training in both medical neurology and neurosurgery of dogs and cats. Dr. Delamaide earned her B.A. at Wellesley College in Massachusetts in 2005, and received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University in 2009. She completed a rotating internship at the VCA Sacramento Veterinary Referral Center (2009-2010) and a neurology specialty internship at Veterinary Specialty Hospital in San Diego (2010-2011).
Dr. Delamaide completed her neurology and neurosurgery residency training at the University of Wisconsin-Madison from 2011-2014. She practiced veterinary neurology at the Veterinary Specialty Hospital in San Diego for 5 years before this opportunity to return to Madison.
She provides neurological examination of dogs and cats, and uses this information to assess for neurological conditions. She appreciates the importance of considering the pet’s overall health and quality of life, as well as the clients’ need to be able to find a management plan that will optimize outcome.
She has interest in medical and surgical treatment of intervertebral disc herniation. She takes an integrative approach using a variety of types of medications as well as complementary therapies. She is skilled in surgical procedures when they are appropriate and best for the outcome of the patient. She also loves long-term management of seizures and immune- mediated inflammatory diseases in dogs and cats.
When Dr. Delamaide has free time, she enjoys hiking, cycling, and yoga.
Dr Jeanie Lau is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Neurology). She has obtained the ACVIM Neurosurgery Certificate of Training through advanced training post residency. She graduated cum Laude from Dartmouth College in 2008 with a major in neuroscience and received her veterinary degree from the University of Sydney with first class honors in 2012. .
Dr. Lau practiced in busy private hospitals in Australia for 2 years before completing a rotating internship and a Neurology/Surgery specialty internship at the Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH) in Sydney, Australia. She then furthered her neurology and neurosurgery training at the University of Melbourne in 2016 before pursuing her Neurology/Neurosurgery residency at the North Carolina State University from 2016-2019.
Prior to joining the MVS family, Dr. Lau worked as a veterinary neurologist and neurosurgeon at SASH in Sydney and at VSH in Hong Kong. She is passionate about patient care and is dedicated to working closely with owners and referring veterinarians to achieve the best care and outcome for her patients. She has special interests in neurosurgery (surgical treatment for intervertebral disc disease and brain tumors when appropriate), neuroimaging (MRI), inflammatory brain diseases (especially steroid-responsive meningitis arteritis (SRMA)) and seizure management.
Dr. Lau’s husband (also a vet) previously worked in Madison for a number of years and he really enjoyed all the Midwest has to offer. They decided to move over with their two kitties, Axel and Alvin, who are retired blood donors and have now travelled the globe from Australia to Hong Kong to Wisconsin! Aside from spending time with her family and taking endless photos of her cats, she loves cooking, hiking, playing the piano and DIY projects.
Caitlin has been with the MVS team since November, 2022.
Conditions We Treat
Our neurology team diagnoses and treats a wide range of disorders affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles.
Seizure Disorders
From idiopathic epilepsy to seizures caused by tumors or infections, we provide diagnosis, management, and emergency treatment plans.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
We specialize in medical and surgical treatment for disc herniations, offering procedures like hemilaminectomy and ventral slot surgery, especially for predisposed breeds.
Vestibular Disorders
We diagnose and manage balance problems, distinguishing between inner ear (peripheral) and brain (central) causes to guide effective treatment.
Spinal & Brain Tumors
We provide advanced imaging for diagnosis and offer options including surgical debulking/biopsy and management strategies.
Neuromuscular Disorders
We diagnose and manage conditions like myasthenia gravis that affect the communication between nerves and muscles.
Infectious & Inflammatory Diseases
Including meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology (MUE/MUO), steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA), and infections affecting the nervous system.
Advanced Diagnostic Procedures
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. Our comprehensive diagnostic capabilities ensure precise identification of your pet’s condition.
Advanced Imaging (MRI & CT)
High-field MRI and CT scans of the brain, ears, and spinal cord to visualize structural problems, tumors, inflammation, and more.
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis
Spinal tap to collect and analyze the fluid surrounding the brain and spine, crucial for diagnosing inflammation, infection, and certain cancers.
Neurological Consultation & Examination
A hands-off, stress-free evaluation to localize the neurological problem, assess strength and coordination, and identify areas of pain.
Preparing for Your Appointment
To ensure we get the most accurate picture of your pet’s condition, please follow these guidelines:
Bring any current medications and your pet's medical records.
If your pet has had seizures, bring a log of their frequency, duration, and description, or a video if possible.
Note any specific changes in behavior, walking, or pain you have observed.
Come prepared with questions and a timeline of your pet's symptoms.
Questions before your visit? Our neurology team is available at neurology@mvsvets.com
Home Care Tips for Neurological Patients
While professional care is essential, these practices can help support your pet’s safety and recovery:
Provide non-slip flooring, use ramps instead of stairs, and block access to pools or heights for pets with balance issues.
Administer all medications exactly as directed and complete any recommended physical therapy exercises.
Keep a simple log of any new or changing symptoms, such as seizure activity, wobbliness, or pain.
Strictly follow exercise restrictions, especially for conditions like IVDD, often requiring crate rest.
Ready to Help Your Pet Feel Better?
If your pet is struggling with seizures, back pain, weakness, or balance issues, our team is here to help. Many pet owners travel from throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and the greater Midwest to access our specialized neurology services in Madison.
At Madison Veterinary Specialists, we understand that neurological conditions can be frightening and significantly impact your pet’s quality of life. Our board-certified neurologists are committed to finding answers and providing relief through advanced diagnostics, specialized neurosurgery, and compassionate, customized treatment plans.