Neurology clinician Dafni Sivolapenko
New Neurology Clinician Joins Top Scottish Referral Centre
10 months ago 
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A newly-appointed neurology clinician at one of Scotland’s leading veterinary referral centres is looking forward to helping expand the expert care it delivers to its patients.
Dafni Sivolapenko has joined Linnaeus-owned Vet Specialists Scotland (VSS) in Livingston to focus on cases affecting the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and neuromuscular junction.
Dafni graduated from Edinburgh’s Royal School of Veterinary Studies in 2015 and has joined VSS from the University of Edinburgh, where she completed a neurology internship and ECVN residency in veterinary neurology and neurosurgery.
Dafni is looking forward to making a positive difference at VSS, explaining: “I enjoy all aspects of neurology, both medical and surgical, and working with all animal species, especially dogs and cats.
“My main role will be to tackle conditions of the brain, spinal cord, neuromuscular junction, nerves, and certain muscles.
“I’m keen to contribute to the growth of the neurology service at VSS and looking forward to working alongside all the other amazing teams within our hospital.
“I also hope to be involved in more clinical research collaborating with other colleagues at Linnaeus to further our understanding of neurological conditions and improve the care of pets in the future.”
It is a challenging role but Dafni said she gains a great sense of satisfaction from helping animals back to full health and strength.
She added: “My most memorable cases are ones that have been challenging to diagnose or treat, and finding ways to support these patients and their owners is always rewarding
“One that stands out is the case of a cat with suspected auto-immune encephalitis (inflammation in the brain) that was causing tremors and very increased sensitivity to sounds.”
Dafni is due to finish a Professional Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine this year and also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Clinical Practice and an Advanced Certificate in Feline Behaviour.
VSS is a specialist-led multidisciplinary referral centre offering industry-leading services in cardiology, dermatology, internal medicine (feline and canine), neurology, orthopaedics, and soft tissue surgery, supported by specialists in diagnostic imaging and anaesthesia and analgesia.
For more information about VSS and the services it offers, visit www.vetscotland.co.uk or search for Veterinary Specialists Scotland on social media.
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