Veterinary Neurology

Veterinary Neurology

A neurological examination is recommended whenever there are clinical signs indicative of a problem involving the central nervous system (brain or spinal cord) or the peripheral nervous system (nerves and junctions).

Clinical manifestations can include changes in mental state, movement, or posture.

The neurological examination has two main objectives: the first is to determine whether "is this animal neurologically normal or abnormal?"—that is, whether the patient has a neurological problem or if the condition affects other systems (e.g., musculoskeletal, cardiac, metabolic, endocrine); the second objective, once a neurological problem is confirmed, is to ascertain "where is the problem located?"

The equipment required for the examination is minimal (a reflex hammer, light source, and a pair of forceps), and the exam involves observing the patient (to assess mental state, posture, and gait); testing postural reactions; examining cranial nerves; and assessing spinal reflexes and sensitivity.

Common clinical signs may include seizures (e.g., during epilepsy), abnormal movements (e.g., conditions causing intracranial pressure), ataxia (e.g., vestibular or cerebellar syndromes), paresis or paralysis (e.g., disc herniation), weakness (e.g., polyradiculoneuropathies), and more.

Once the examination is complete and the problem is localised, further diagnostic investigations may be carried out during the same session (e.g., blood tests) or more advanced diagnostic tests that require anaesthesia (e.g., CT or MRI).