Cerebellum: Diseased State Flashcards
T or F: Disease of the cerebellum causes loss of function and paresis.
FALSE. Neither are caused.
What is the major clinical sign of a problem with the cerebellum?
ATAXIA- incoordination
What are the 3 types of Ataxia?
PVC
Proprioceptive Ataxia
Vetibular Ataxia
Cerebellar Ataxia
What is Dysmetria?
Inability to regulate rate, range, or force of movements
Drunk/abnormal
What is Hypermetria?
Overestimation of gait
- uninhibited flexors
- HIGHSTEPPING
What is a disease in cats that causes cerebellar hypoplasia?
Feline Panleukopenia (Feline parvovirus) -still live long and happy lives
What are some clinical signs associated with cerebellar disease?
Tremors Hypertonia/Hyperreflexia Nystagmus Truncal Ataxia/Sway during gait Broad based stance Opisthotonus
What is Opisthotonus?
A CS of cerebellar disease
Extended neck and thoracic limbs
It is hard to diagnose mild cerebellar disease or short legged animals. What test should you use during the neurological exam?
Stair Test: Observe gait going up and down stairs
Cerebellar disease is usually characterized by ipsilateral signs. When would you have cerebellar disease with contralateral signs?
When there is a lesion at the cerebellar peduncle
What is the cerebellar Menace Response?
A learned response, NOT a reflex
What does the menace response test?
Normal vision and facial muscle function
What is supposed to happen with the Menace response?
Animal closes eyes when there is a menacing gesture
If cerebellum is diseased, what happens with the Menace response?
Failure to close eyes with a menacing gesture
Most PRIMARY cerebellar diseases are _________
Congenital- from in utero viral infection
SLOWLY progressive- Cerebellar abiotrophy