Cranial nerves

Question 1

What tests are used to check for problems in cranial nerve # I?

Answer 1

Olfactory - test for the animals ability to find food or the reaction to chemicals (do not use alcohol or phenol)

Question 2

What tests are used to check for problems in cranial nerve # II?

Answer 2

Optic - Visual tests - Cotton balls can be dropped - animal should observe them dropping
Menace response - make a threatening gesture toward each eye, causing animal to blink
constriction of eye- the opposite eye should also constrict with a light

Question 3

What tests are used to check for problems in cranial nerve # III?

Answer 3

Oculomotor - peform a Pupillary light reflex test - constriction

Question 4

What tests are used to check for problems in cranial nerve # IV?

Answer 4

Trochlear - Observe eyeball for a vertical misalignment

Question 5

What tests are used to check for problems in cranial nerve # V?

Answer 5

Trigeminal - Evaluate Jaw tone and masticatory movements
Palpate masseter
palpebral reflex - inner part of eye by nose

Question 6

The neurologic examination consists of evaluation of what?

Answer 6

1- head
2 - the gait
3 - the neck and thoracic limbs
4 - the trunk, pelvic limbs, anus and tail

Question 7

What tests are used to check for problems in cranial nerve # VI?

Answer 7

Abducent - check for cross- eyed movement when bring a pen toward the nose.

Question 8

What tests are used to check for problems in cranial nerve # VII?

Answer 8

Facial - nose examined for deviation - look up it with otoscope
ear should be tickled to see whether it moves
lip should be pinched to see whether it retracts

Question 9

What tests are used to check for problems in cranial nerve # VIII?

Answer 9

Vestibulocochlear - clap look for reaction

hard to test

Question 10

What tests are used to check for problems in cranial nerve # IX?

Answer 10

Glossopharyngeal - hyoid bones should be pinched to elicit a gag reflex - can do this when checking teeth

Question 11

What tests are used to check for problems in cranial nerve # X?

Answer 11

Vagus - hyoid bones should be pinched to elicit a gag reflex - can do this when checking teeth

Question 12

What tests are used to check for problems in cranial nerve # XI?

Answer 12

Accessory - muscles should be palpated

Question 13

What tests are used to check for problems in cranial nerve # XII?

Answer 13

Hypoglossal - tongue should be observed for muscular control during licking and lapping of water
(when checking teeth - check tongue)