Staff

Dr. Patricia J. Luttgen, DVM, MS - Diplomate, ACVIM, Neurology
and Elmo

Bio: Dr. Patricia J. Luttgen is a board-certified specialist in veterinary neurology and neurosurgery. Dr. Luttgen obtained her veterinary degree from the Kansas State University in 1972. After two years in small animal practice, she completed a surgery residency, with emphasis on neurosurgery, at Texas A&M University, earning a masters degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Dr. Luttgen then taught at Oklahoma State University briefly before accepting the neurosurgery faculty position at Auburn University. At Auburn, Dr. Luttgen assumed the teaching duties of medical neurologist as well, leading to board certification by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) in the specialty of neurology in 1983. Dr. Luttgen went on to teach neurology and neurosurgery at Texas A & M University, the University of California at Davis, and Colorado State University, spending a total of 20 years in academic veterinary medicine.

Dr. Luttgen left academics to establish the Neurological Center for Animals in Lakewood, Colorado. She has devoted her practice life exclusively to this specialty field since 1974, more than anyone else currently practicing in the state of Colorado. She has attended all of the ACVIM Forums (27 as of 2009), which is the only veterinary continuing education venue in North America that provides “state of the art” presentations specifically for specialists in neurology and neurosurgery. She has served as Secretary of the ACVIM Specialty of Neurology, a member and Chairperson of the ACVIM General Examination Committee, and on many other ACVIM, local and state veterinary association committees over the years.

Elmo was presented to the Neurological Center for Animals as a paraplegic hemivertebrae case that the owners did not want anymore. Dr. Luttgen adopted him and did surgery to help him live a pain free partially mobile life. Elmo is now CEO (Canine Executive Officer) of the Neurological Center for Animals.

All the staff members at the Neurological Center for Animals are dedicated to providing the best possible care for your pet, and a pleasant referral experience for you. You will be greeted at the door by our receptionist. All the nurses have special training and years of experience monitoring and nursing neurological patients. They will review all the home care instructions with you when your pet is dismissed, and call to monitor the progress of your pet at home.

Jane, Receptionist

Bio: Jane has enjoyed being part of the Neurological Center for Animals for the several years. Our clients and their wonderful pets make each day a new and unique experience, which keeps her job as a receptionist varied and interesting. She looks forward to helping you make an appointment and greeting you at the Neurological Center for Animals.

Jennifer, Nurse Anesthetist - Certified Veterinary Technician, Veterinary Technician Specialist (AIMVT, Neurology)

Bio: Jennifer graduated from the Bel-Rea Institute of Veterinary Technology in August 2005,  She came to work for the Neurological Center for Animals in September 2005.  She has passed the examination process of the Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians in the specialty of Neurology to become a Veterinary Technician Specialist.  She has three Chihuahuas and two cats.

Allison, Nurse Anesthetist - Certified Veterinary Technician

Bio: Allison graduated from the Bel-Rea Institute of Veterinary Technology in June 2004. She joined the staff at the Neurological Center for Animals in 2008 after working in general veterinary medicine for four years. She has enjoyed training to be a neurology specialty nurse and anesthetist. She has three dogs (Gus, Stubbie and Twist), two horses and a few chickens.