Investigating the CNS/Examination Flashcards
Before the neurological examination, what can be looked at by a vet?
- history
- BAR, mentation
- clinical examination
What is involved in the first component of a neurological exam?
Observation only:
- behaviour
- gait
- posture
- interaction with obstacles, other animals, people
During the hand on part of the neurological exam, what should aim to be tested?
- Conscious and subconscious proprioception
- Pain or altered sensation
- Upper and lower motor neuron function
- Spinal segments
- Cranial nerves
Which other body part must be fully examined?
Eye - importantly the ocular fundus (back of the eye)
How can conscious proprioception be assessed?
- Turn foot over but don’t lift leg (trying not to test balance)
- Needs to have normal motor neuron function
- Should be immediate not delayed
How can subconscious proprioception be assessed?
- Unbalance and see if they notice
- Need normal motor function
- Should be returning foot to normal posture briskly
- All other limbs should be supported/in normal position
In which spinal cord funiculus do conscious proprioceptive tracts travel?
Dorsal
Which spinal tract carries subconscious proprioceptive input?
Spinocerebellar
When testing the withdrawal reflex, what is being assessed?
- pain stimulus
- A reaction shows perception
- If no reaction stimulus should be increased
- An animal may show a facial reaction but is unable to move the limb
What is the receptor for the myotatic reflex (e.g. patella reflex)?
Muscle spindle in the intrafusal fibres
What effect would an UMN lesion have on these reflexes, and why?
Potentially exaggerated because they only require sensory input and LMN output
What effect would a LMN lesion have on these reflexes?
Reduced or absent reflex
Which muscle causes a reflex where the skin twitches?
Cutaneous trunci
What 4 laboratory tests can be undertaken to further investigate once the lesion has been localised?
- Blood tests
- Urinalysis
- CSF analysis
- Biopsy
