Monoparesis or Monoplegia

Question 1

where are neuronal cell bodies of the motor neuron unit?

Answer 1

cervical intumescence: C6-T2
lumbar intumescence: L4-S3

Question 2

is the spinal cord the same length as the vertebral column?

Answer 2

no: spinal cord is shorter

Question 3

where does the C8 nerve exit?

Answer 3

caudal to C7 vertebra

Question 4

multiple spinal nerves will merge to form a ___________________

Answer 4

named nerve

Question 5

what are the main components of the motor unit that can be affected in disease?

Answer 5

nerve root
spinal nerve
specific named nerve

Question 6

what are the clinical signs of a neurologic deficit to one limb?

Answer 6

lameness
dragging toes
non weight bearing
muscle atrophy
pain
abnormal proprioception
reduced spinal reflexes
abnormal sensory function in autonomous zones
self mutilation

Question 7

what is lameness due to neurologic disease due to?

Answer 7

irritation or compression of a nerve root or nerve

Question 8

what can lower motor neuron disorders of one leg involve?

Answer 8

one named nerve
group of nerves in one leg

Question 9

what do spinal reflexes involve?

Answer 9

receptors and nerves of the peripheral nervous system (sensory and motor) and the spinal cord

Question 10

which spinal cord segments are involved in withdrawal of thoracic limbs?

Answer 10

C6-T2

Question 11

which nerve is involved in the perineal reflex?

Answer 11

pudendal

Question 12

which nerve is involved in the patellar reflex?

Answer 12

femoral

Question 13

what are some differentials due to trauma?

Answer 13

brachial plexus avulsion
nerve trauma

Question 14

what is neurapraxia?

Answer 14

transient interruption of nerve function and conduction
no physical disruption of axon

Question 15

what is axonotmesis?

Answer 15

separation of axons from neuronal cell body and subsequent degeneration of distal axon

Question 16

what is neurotmesis?

Answer 16

complete severance of the nerve and physical disruption of axons and myelin sheaths

Question 17

what is damage due to in brachial plexus avulsion?

Answer 17

overdistension of nerve
degree and location of damage

Question 18

what does a brachial plexus avulsion of cranial C6-C7 look like?

Answer 18

flexion of elbow reduced or absent: musculocutaneous nerve

Question 19

what does horner’s syndrome with brachial plexus avulsion indicate for localization?

Answer 19

intraforaminal C8-T2

Question 20

what is a skin complication with brachial plexus avulsion?

Answer 20

self mutilation

Question 21

how is the prognosis of brachial plexus avulsion with denervated elbow extensors (weight bearing)?

Answer 21

return to function poor

Question 22

what is the best prognostic indicator for brachial plexus avulsion?

Answer 22

presence of pain perception/nociception

Question 23

what are tumors of nerves known as?

Answer 23

peripheral nerve sheath tumors

Question 24

where do peripheral nerve sheath tumors originate?

Answer 24

usually originate peripherally

Question 25

where are the most common sites for a peripheral nerve sheath tumor?

Answer 25

caudal cervical and cranial thoracic

Question 26

what do peripheral nerve sheath tumors initially cause?

Answer 26

lameness: nerve root signature

Question 27

what can be found as time progresses with a peripheral nerve sheath tumor?

Answer 27

neurogenic muscle atrophy
mass appreciated: axilla for brachial plexus

Question 28

can peripheral nerve sheath tumors affect the cutaneous trunci reflex and sympathetic fibers?

Answer 28

yes

Question 29

which peripheral nerve root tumors carry the best prognosis?

Answer 29

distal peripheral nerve sheath tumors

Question 30

what happens in degenerative lumbosacral stenosis?

Answer 30

narrowing of the spinal canal and subsequent compression of caudal equina

Question 31

what can intervertebral disc protrusion and soft tissue proliferation occuring laterally result in?

Answer 31

nerve root entrapment

Question 32

who is usually impacted by degenerative lumbosacral stenosis?

Answer 32

middle aged or older
large breed dogs: german shepherds

Question 33

where do C2-C7 spinal nerves exit?

Answer 33

cranial to same number vertebra

Question 34

where do the T1-S3 spinal nerves exit?

Answer 34

caudal to associated vertebra

Question 35

which components of the motor unit are usually affected in disease?

Answer 35

nerve root
spinal nerve
specific named nerve

Question 36

what is nerve root signature?

Answer 36

lameness due to neurologic cause

Question 37

what do we test clinically for thoracic limb reflexes?

Answer 37

withdrawal only

Question 38

what pelvic limb reflexes do we test?

Answer 38

withdrawal reflec
patellar reflex
perineal reflex

Question 39

what can be seen on a caudal C8-T2 avulsion?

Answer 39

reduced/absent weight bearing
reduced/absent cutaneous trunci reflex
partial or complete horner’s syndrome

Question 40

what does horner’s syndrome with brachial plexus avulsion indicate?

Answer 40

intraforaminal C8-T2 localization

Question 41

what is the process of degenerative lumbosacral stenosis?

Answer 41

intervertebral disc degeneration and narrowing of disc space
thickening of interarcuate ligament, epidural fibrosis and thickening of capsules of articular processes