Pet Neurology in Laguna Hills, CA
Audrey Collinet DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)
Board Certified in Neurology
and Neurosurgery
Our Philosophy
The Rise Veterinary Neurology team is led by Dr. Audrey Collinet, a board-certified neurologist and neurosurgeon with extensive experience in managing both medical and surgical cases.
Dr. Collinet is assisted by a team of highly skilled veterinary technicians/nurses, including a veterinary technician specialist (VTS) in neurology—one of only 30 in the entire country.
Their combined expertise ensures your pet receives the highest quality care they deserve.
"With genuine respect, warmth, and kindness, I approach the care of all pets as if they were my own. Utilizing the latest advancements in neurological techniques and state-of-the-art equipment, I am honored to provide exceptional care tailored to your family's furry members."
The Rise Pet Neurology Difference
Advanced On-Site Diagnostics
Rise Pet health is a newly built specialty and emergency hospital with some of the most advanced technology you’ll find in our region. Our hospital is complete with digital X-ray, ultrasound, CT and MRI so our team can perform any testing required on site. By utilizing some of the most advanced tools available our veterinary neurology team is able to provide the most accurate diagnosis for your pet.
Comprehensive Options
We believe in offering a variety of possible treatment options to accommodate both your and your pet's preferences and needs.
Collaborative Approach
Our Pet Neurology team in Laguna Hills is not only highly skilled but also deeply collaborative. We work in conjunction with your pet's primary vet and supporting health professionals. Many neurology patients benefit from our collaboration with other specialists here at Rise Pet Health, such as internal medicine and oncology. Since we are all under one roof, we work together as a powerful team in our dedication to helping you and your pet thrive.
Tailored and Family-Centered Care
Our team creates a personalized care and treatment plan for your pet's unique health and needs. We understand the importance of accommodating not only your pet's needs but also the needs of your entire family. We strive to create a supportive environment where you feel heard, valued, and informed every step of the way.
Multispecialty & Emergency Support
Your pet's health is our top priority, which is why we're backed by a dedicated team of seasoned specialists and emergency doctors. Should your pet ever require emergency services, they will receive prompt and comprehensive care in those urgent situations. Our veterinary hospital is open 24/7/365 and is equipped with a dedicated ICU which is overseen by our board certified critical care specialists, enabling us to provide your pet with the highest quality care.
Rise Veterinary Neurology Services in Laguna Hills, CA
Medical Neurology
Medical neurology involves managing or treating disorders without resorting to surgical intervention. This can be accomplished through various approaches, such as dietary changes, medications, or alternative methods.
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Epilepsy and Seizure Management
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Stroke
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Brain Tumors
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Vestibular and Balance Disorders
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Neuromuscular Disease
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Auto-Immune Meningitis and Encephalitis
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Discospondylitis or Infection of an Intervertebral Disc
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Infections of the Brain and Spinal Cord
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Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
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Congenital Brain or Spinal Anomalies (such as Hydrocephalus, Chiari-Like Malformations or COMS, Syringohydromyelia, and More)
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Wobbler's Syndrome
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Traumatic Brain / Head Injuries
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Movement Disorders or Dyskinesias (Tremors, Episodic Abnormal Movements)
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Pain Management
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Canine Cognitive Dysfunction
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…. and Other Spinal Disorders
Pet Neurosurgery
Certain pet neurological conditions are best addressed through surgical intervention, which may offer your pet the most thorough recovery and enhanced quality of life.
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Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) Surgery
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Spinal Fracture and Luxation Repair
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Brain Tumors
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Wobbler Syndrome Surgery
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Atlantoaxial Stabilization
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Skull Fractures
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Hydrocephalus / Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Placement
Available Testing / Advanced Diagnostics
We offer an extensive array of top-tier pet neurology diagnostics, including advanced high-field MRI technology (1.5 Tesla) to ensure the highest standard of care.
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Ultrasound
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Digital X-Rays
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Extensive In-House Laboratory
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On-Site CT
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On-Site MRI
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Nerve / Muscle Biopsy
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Spine / Brain Biopsy
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Spinal Tap / Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis
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Infectious Disease Testing
Alternative and Complementary Medicine
Our neurologist receives support from a veterinarian trained in alternative medicine whenever it is deemed medically appropriate.
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Acupuncture and Chiropractic Therapy with Dr. Amanda Aldridge
Veterinary Neurology FAQ
General Neurology & Appointments
Your primary care veterinarian may refer you to a neurologist if your pet is experiencing seizures, difficulty walking, balance issues, neck or back pain, or behavioral changes. Common signs that indicate a need for a specialist include sudden paralysis, head tilting, tremors, or uncoordinated movement (ataxia). At Rise Pet Health, our board-certified neurologist, Dr. Audrey Collinet, works with your family vet to diagnose and treat complex conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system.
When your pet has a neurological condition, Dr. Collinet partners with your primary veterinarian to deliver specialized care. A board-certified veterinary neurologist has completed four years of veterinary school followed by a one-year internship and a three-year residency in neurology and neurosurgery. They have passed rigorous board examinations to become a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Neurology). This advanced training allows them to perform specialized tests (like MRIs) and delicate neurosurgeries (like IVDD repair) that general practice veterinarians typically do not offer. This advanced training does not end with formal education – Dr. Collinet is constantly studying the latest techniques and therapies so she can offer the most advanced treatment for your pet.
While many of our patients are referred by their primary veterinarians, you can also contact us directly if you are concerned about your pet’s neurological health. We prioritize a collaborative approach, meaning we will keep your primary vet informed and involved in your pet's treatment plan every step of the way.
Diagnostics (MRI & CT Scans)
Yes, general anesthesia is required for veterinary MRIs. Unlike humans, pets cannot be told to stay perfectly still for the 45–90 minutes required for high-quality imaging. At Rise Pet Health, safety is our top priority. We use advanced monitoring equipment and have a dedicated team—including board-certified critical care specialists—to oversee your pet’s anesthesia and recovery.
X-rays are excellent for looking at bones but are poor at showing soft tissues like the brain and spinal cord. A CT scan is better for bone and acute bleeding but may miss subtle soft tissue changes. An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is the gold standard for neurology because it provides detailed, high-contrast images of the brain and spinal cord, allowing us to accurately diagnose strokes, tumors, inflammation, and slipped discs. MRI is the best tool for diagnosing IVDD and planning appropriate treatment and interventions like surgery. We are one of the few facilities in the region equipped with a high-field MRI on-site.
Conditions & Treatments
Treatment for IVDD depends on the severity of the spinal cord compression.
Medical Management: For mild cases, we may recommend strict crate rest, pain management, and anti-inflammatory medications.
Surgical Intervention: For pets who have lost the ability to walk or for those with severe pain, surgery (such as a hemilaminectomy or ventral slot) is often necessary to remove the disc material pressing on the spinal cord.
Dr. Collinet can help you evaluate your options and determine when surgery is in your pet’s best interest.
While there is typically no "cure" for idiopathic epilepsy, it can often be successfully managed. Our goal is to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures to give your pet a good quality of life. We utilize a variety of anticonvulsant medications and may also discuss dietary changes. For refractory cases, we offer advanced management plans tailored to your specific pet’s physiology.
Vestibular disease affects a pet’s balance system, often causing symptoms like a severe head tilt, falling over, or rapid eye movements (nystagmus). While these signs can be alarming, the prognosis is often positive. Frequently, the underlying cause is something like an inner ear infection or idiopathic vestibular syndrome ('Old Dog Vestibular Syndrome'). However, because symptoms can occasionally signal more serious issues like strokes or tumors, our team is here to provide a thorough diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
Emergency & Aftercare
Neurological issues like cluster seizures or sudden paralysis are often emergencies. Rise Pet Health is open 24/7/365. If your pet experiences a crisis outside of standard business hours, our emergency department and critical care team can stabilize your pet immediately and transfer them to our neurology service for specialized care as soon as possible.
Yes. We believe in a holistic approach to recovery. For patients recovering from spinal surgery or managing chronic pain, we can integrate acupuncture and chiropractic therapy with Dr. Amanda Aldridge when medically appropriate. This integrative care helps improve mobility and speed up recovery times.