BluePearl Pet Neurology
Orange Park, FL
Neurology

Specialty

Pet neurology by BluePearl.

Advanced care for what matters most – helping your pet live a longer and better life.

We understand that seeing your pet experience unusual symptoms or act out of the ordinary can be stressful – especially if you don’t know what’s wrong. Fortunately, our veterinary neurology team is made up of experts in diagnosing and treating diseases of the nervous system, and we’re here to help. 

Our commitment is not just to treat illnesses; it’s to enhance the well-being of your pet and be with you every step of the way.

A veterinarian examines a dog

Conditions we treat.

A BluePearl anesthesiology and pain management vet prepares to fix an anesthetic facemask on a yellow lab while a vet tech helps hold the dog on the exam table.

If your pet has a neurological condition, you’ll have an entire neurology team helping to improve your pet’s quality of life so you can get back to what matters most – spending precious moments together.

  • Epilepsy and other seizure disorders
  • Brain and spinal cord trauma
  • Disc herniation and other lumbosacral disorders
  • Brain tumors
  • Neuromuscular disease
  • Encephalitis
  • Meningitis

Services we offer.

Your pet will receive unparalleled medical care during their time at the hospital (and they’ll be spoiled with love and attention, too).

Advanced diagnostics

Your pet can’t tell us what’s wrong, so we use sophisticated diagnostics and imaging tools to uncover the source of the problem.

  • MRI
  • CT
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis
  • Radiography (x-rays)
  • Electrodiagnostic testing
  • Nerve and muscle biopsies

Treatment plans

Just as no two patients are the same, neither are their treatment plans. Our neurology team has experience with a range of advanced procedures and minimally invasive options to get your pet on the path to wellness, including:

  • Medication
  • Rehabilitation
  • Neurosurgery

Our board certified specialists and neurology team.

Experience makes all the difference. 

Our neurology team is made up of veterinarians, vet technicians and assistants, and support staff with rigorous training and experience in specialty medicine. The team works hand in hand to provide the comprehensive, compassionate care your pet needs and deserves. Because we’re a multidisciplinary hospital, the team can consult the expertise of other specialty departments, too.

Jess Rivera

DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)
Board Certified in Veterinary Neurology

Neurology
On the job

Dr. Jess Rivera’s clinical interests include intracranial neoplasia and neurosurgery.

Education
  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Neurology)
  • Residency, Neurology & Neurosurgery, University of California, Davis
  • Internship, Emergency & Critical Care, University of Florida, Gainesville
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville
  • Bachelor of Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park
Off duty

Outside of work, Dr. Rivera enjoys traveling, martial arts, sports and learning new languages. She is fluent in English and Spanish and is working on her Japanese.

Robert Rushing

DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)
Board Certified in Veterinary Neurology

Neurology
Neurosurgery
On the job

Dr. Robert Rushing has a particular interest in surgical intervention for intracranial and spinal disorders and looks forward to advances in stereotactic surgical procedures, which allow a doctor to better determine the location of a lesion through image guidance.

Education
  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Neurology)
  • Residency, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Center for Veterinary Specialty Care, Carrollton, TX
  • Internship, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Center for Veterinary Specialty Care, Carrollton, TX
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Texas A&M University, College Station
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
  • Bachelor of Science, Biology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb
  • Bachelor of Science, Environmental Biology, University of North Alabama, Florence
Off duty

Dr. Rushing enjoys outdoor activities, Taekwondo, fishing, football and time with his wife and two children. The family has a French bulldog named Dobby and two Guinea pigs, Oreo and Paprika.

What to expect.

We want you to be prepared for your pet’s visit to the neurologist, so you have one less thing to worry about. Our entire BluePearl team will be with you every step of the way.

Before your visit

  • Make an initial appointment by calling us directly or via referral from your pet’s primary vet. 
  • We’ll request records from your primary or emergency vet before your first visit and collaborate with them to discuss your pet’s history and current condition.

During your visit

  • When possible, we’ll examine your pet with you by their side to make them more comfortable. If additional tests are needed for a diagnosis, we’ll discuss those options with you.
  • You’ll have plenty of time and opportunity to ask questions as we go over your pet’s diagnosis together.
  • Before you leave, you’ll receive a detailed treatment plan, discharge instructions and any recommended medications. We’ll schedule a recheck appointment and make sure you’re aware of any symptoms you should watch out for at home.

After your visit

  • Our team will continue to partner with your primary veterinarian as part of the ongoing management of your pet’s care.
  • You know your pet better than anyone, and you play a crucial role in their treatment plan. If you have any concerns about providing care at home (such as giving medication, maintaining a specific diet or monitoring your pet’s symptoms), let us know – we’re here for you.