Lesion Localization

Question 1

(T/F) A canine creature presents to you paraplegic 4 days after a trauma. Upon examination of spinal reflexes, you find normal extensor tone, increased patellar reflexes, and normal flexor reflexes in the pelvic limbs. These findings are strongly suggestive of a lesion between the L4-S3 spinal cord segments

Answer 1

False, the findings are suggestive of upper motor neuron signs, which then would put the lesion at the T3-L3 spinal cord

Question 2

(T/F) A cute but “somewhat” aggressive Rottweiler comes to see you with a history of weakness. With your majestic neurologic examination skills, you see that the dog has tetraparesis and proprioceptive ataxia. Upon reflex examination (before he takes your arm off), you see that he has normal reflexes in the pelvic limbs, but decreased extensor tone and flexor reflexes in the thoracic limbs. This would indicate a lesion at C6-T2 spinal cord segments.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

(T/F) The cousin of that cute aggressive Rottweiler that vou saw comes to see you because they were very impressed with your neurologic examination skills (shockingly but truel). You appreciate that this Rottweiler also has tetraparesis but vou cannot see proprioceptive ataxia. Upon reflex examination, you see that he has decreased spinal reflexes in all four limbs with the patellar reflex markedly decreased.
These findings would indicate a lesion at C1-5 spinal cord segments.

Answer 3

False, VERY false! Decreased reflex in all 4 limbs (LMN
sign) should put the lesion outside of the CNS (spinal cord).
This is a diffuse LMN presentation compatible with lesions in the nerve, neuromuscular junction, or muscles.

Question 4

(T/F) Proprioceptive deficits are a consistent feature of pure cerebellar disease

Answer 4

False, Proprioceptive deficits are NOT a feature of pure cerebellar disease as the fasciculus gracilis and cuneatus do not run through the cerebellum

Question 5

What are the specific tests to assess Thalamocortical Function?

Answer 5

• Mental status – Behavior
• Menace response
• Nasal sensation = pay attention to the symmetry of response
• Postural reactions = Proprioception and hopping

Question 6

(T/F) When evaluating dogs with a history of seizures we have to pay very close attention to the 4 tests that assess thalamocortical function. One of these tests is nasal sensation.

Answer 6

True