Bush Veterinary Neurology Service Leesburg

06/30/2025

💉 BVNS Journal Club
Topic: Improving Pain Management in Spinal Surgery
Led by: Dr. Martin Young, BVNS Short Pump

This week’s discussion focused on a promising technique to improve surgical outcomes and reduce pain in our patients.

🧪 By applying short- and long-acting bupivacaine to the muscle layer before retractor placement in thoracolumbar spinal surgery, we can:
1. Reduce the need for narcotics
2. Minimize side effects like regurgitation and dysphoria
3. Potentially shorten hospital stays
✨ Bonus: Adding dexmedetomidine may enhance pain relief even further.

✅ Action Item: We’re implementing this approach to provide safer, more effective analgesia for our patients.

🙌 We’re always learning, always improving—for the pets and families we serve.

06/23/2025

🧠 BVNS Journal Club
Topic: PTSD in Caregivers of Epileptic Patients
Led by: Dr. William Bush, BVNS Medical Director

This week, we explored a powerful and often overlooked topic: the emotional toll of epilepsy—not just on patients, but on their caregivers.

📊 A recent study found that:
1. 10–40% of parents of epileptic children are diagnosed with PTSD.
2. Mothers are especially affected.
3. Pet caregivers likely experience similar emotional stress.

💬 At BVNS, we believe that caring for the caregiver is essential to achieving the best outcomes for our patients.

✅ Action Item: We’re launching a research initiative to better understand caregiver burden and PTSD in pet parents—and to develop support programs that meet this critical need.

06/16/2025

📚 BVNS Journal Club Spotlight: Seizures in Brachycephalic Dogs

Each week, our neurology team at BVNS dives into current literature to sharpen our clinical knowledge and improve outcomes for our patients.

This week, Dr. Sarah Trub (BVNS Short Pump) led a discussion on a study evaluating seizure causes in brachycephalic dogs like French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, and Cavaliers.

🔍 Traditionally, dogs aged 6 months to 6 years with normal neurological exams are assumed to have idiopathic epilepsy.
📊 But this study revealed that 33% of brachycephalic dogs in this category had a structural brain lesion — a surprising and significant finding.

Key Takeaway: We support the recommendation that all brachycephalic dogs with seizures undergo advanced diagnostics (MRI + CSF), regardless of age or exam findings.

💡 Better diagnostics lead to better care—and that’s our goal.

06/15/2025

Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing Dads out there! 🐾👔

Today, we’re sending tail wags and warm wishes to every kind of dad — whether your little one is two-legged or four.

From all of us at BVNS— thank you for being the treat-givers, the fetch-players, the vet-visit chauffeurs, and the heroes in every tail-wagging tale.

06/12/2025

Bush Veterinary Neurology Service (BVNS) is proud to partner with Dr. Go Togawa at Virginia Tech in groundbreaking research aimed at decoding the genetic mysteries behind epilepsy and encephalitis in dogs—two of the most common and devastating neurological diseases.

Dr. Togawa’s work focuses on identifying genetic markers to develop better treatments and improve the quality of life for pets and their families. To help, BVNS will be asking for client consent to collect a small amount of additional blood during routine visits. These samples are vital to advancing this life-changing research.

Together, we're working toward a brighter, healthier future for dogs everywhere.

06/11/2025

BVNS Rockville, Leesburg, & Springfield: Now available for weekend phone calls!

While our neurology service is not currently open for weekend appointments, our team is committed to being more available when you need us. Whether you’re a referring DVM with a patient question or a pet parent with a concern, you can now reach us by phone on Saturdays and Sundays for support and guidance. We’re here to help—because staying connected matters.

06/09/2025

Did you know that cats can have seizures? Just like with humans, seizures may be a health problem all their own or they may be a symptom of another health problem.

Seizures in cats are harder to diagnose than in humans. However, they do have many symptoms in common. These include:

🧠 Convulsions
🧠 Rigidity of limbs
🧠 Limbs paddling
🧠 Loss of consciousness
🧠 Abnormal vocalizations
🧠 Loss or urinary control
🧠 Loss of bowel control
🧠 Tail chasing
🧠 Aggression
🧠 Shadow chasing
🧠 Biting
🧠 Abnormal behavior (after a seizure)

Seizures may be so quick you don’t even notice it. However, if they last more than a few minutes contact your vet immediately for a referral to BVNS.

06/05/2025

Come visit the BVNS Short Pump team this weekend as we partner with Virginia Veterinary Centers for Fetch Fest! 🐾

Looking for a family and dog-friendly event this weekend? 🐕 ☀️ 🐶

Come out to Main Line Brewery this Saturday, June 7th, from 1pm-4pm for this year's annual "Fetch Fest", presented by FETCH a Cure! Check out our VVC and Bush Veterinary Neurology Service Short Pump tent for some cool swag, pet friendly treats, and fun educational tips! Our very own radiation oncologist, Dr. Dan DeLillo, will be there to provide complimentary lumps and bumps exams, chat about the latest in pet cancer treatment, and provide client education for pet owners.

Discover the “Tell-Tail Signs” of a happy, healthy, pet through a variety of interactive demonstrations, awesome activities, and games! With pet-centric vendors and a dedicated kids’ zone, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Refuel with local beer, food trucks, and listen to live music that’ll leave tails wagging!

The festival is FREE to the public, with a donation at the door encouraged.

06/04/2025

Seizures in dogs can be alarming, but are a relatively common neurological problem. Causes can include idiopathic epilepsy, brain tumors, metabolic disorders, or meningitis/encephalitis. Recognizing the signs early can make a big difference in your pet’s health.

Here are some common signs of seizures in dogs:

🧠Sudden collapse or loss of consciousness
🧠Jerking or paddling movements
🧠 Drooling or foaming at the mouth
🧠 Stiffening of the body
🧠Temporary confusion or disorientation afterward
🧠Vocalizing (whining or barking) during the episode

If you notice any of these signs, reach out to BVNS immediately.

05/30/2025

The BVNS team had a fantastic time at Leesburg Veterinary Hospital this past Thursday, where we hosted a Lunch and Learn featuring Dr. Bush himself!

Dr. Bush led an engaging and informative session on seizures and seizure management, providing valuable insights for both the doctor and technician teams. Thank you to everyone who joined us—we always love connecting with our referral partners and sharing knowledge that helps us all provide the best care possible.

05/26/2025

At BVNS, we pause today to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

We also remember the loyal service animals who stood beside them—guardians, companions, and heroes in their own right. 🐾

Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Wishing everyone a peaceful Memorial Day as we reflect on the true meaning of this day. ❤️🤍💙 As a reminder, our locations are closed for the holiday.

05/20/2025

🧠 When Should Your Pet See a Neurologist? 🐾
At BVNS, our board-certified neurologists specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

Here are a few signs it might be time to consult a specialist:

⚡ Seizures (especially new or worsening)
🚶 Trouble walking or limb weakness
🔄 Balance issues or head tilt
🌀 Neck or back pain
🛏️ Paralysis or difficulty getting up
❓ Unexplained behavior changes

We know how scary neurological symptoms can be—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our team is here to provide expert care and clear answers.