First Visit

Prior to Arrival

Please be sure to give all medications, as directed by your veterinarian, on the day of your pet’s appointment with the Neurological Center for Animals. Please do not feed your pet the morning of your appointment. Fill out the forms below and bring them with you.

What to Bring with You

Please pick up or have faxed your pet’s medical records, including radiographs and lab results, from your family veterinarian’s office and of course bring your pet with you.

Initial Examination

On your first visit, you will meet with Dr. Luttgen, who will personally take your pet’s history, and do physical and neurologic examinations on your pet in your presence. In this way, she will learn as complete a picture of your pet’s problems as possible to be able to recommend the most appropriate diagnostic tests and treatments. Dr. Luttgen will explain all the recommended diagnostic procedures and treatment options in detail. She will also give you as accurate an estimate of the anticipated costs as possible. If you agree to proceed with her recommendations, you will be asked to sign an “Financial Estimate/Agreement” form. Procedures not requiring admission will be performed while you wait.

Admission

Your pet may need to be admitted to the hospital for certain diagnostic tests and procedures to be performed. Dr. Luttgen and her staff will keep you and your family veterinarian fully informed on your pet’s progress throughout your pet's stay at the Neurological Center for Animals. You may always call for updates as well.

Financial Arrangements

If you pet is not hospitalized, the entire bill will be payable as you leave your appointment. If your pet is hospitalized, you will be asked to leave a deposit to be applied toward the final balance of your bill. Payment in full is expected at the time of your pet's discharge from the Neurological Center for Animals. For your convenience, we accept MasterCard, VISA, Discover, personal checks and cash. We also offer the Citi Health Card program, which provides a time payment plan. You may apply on-line at www.healthcard.citicards.com or apply at the time of your appointment with the help of our receptionist.

Discharges

When your pet is discharged from the hospital, you will be given detailed instructions about your pet’s home care program. A nurse will thoroughly review all instructions with you. You will be shown how to perform any nursing care and physical therapy required at home. Recheck appointments will be made so that we can monitor your pet’s progress.

Dr. Luttgen will speak with your family veterinarian and send a discharge letter detailing the test results, diagnosis, treatment, and long term care of your pet