Spinal Conditions Flashcards
How does an upper motor neurone bladder present?
Distended bladder that is difficult to express
(Loss of inhibition of sphincter tone)
Lesion: cranial to the sacral spinal cord
How does a lower motor neurone bladder present?
Distended bladder that is constantly over-flowing an dribbling
Only the internal sphincter is working
Lesion: sacral spinal cord and nerves to bladder
How much CSF should you sample in a dog and a cat?
1ml in a dog
0.5ml in a cat
What should you analyse on CSF fluid?
Total protein
Cell count
Erythrocytes
Bacteria
What segment of the spinal cord LMNs does the withdrawal reflex test on the forelimb?
C6 - T2
What section of the spinal cord LMN does the biceps reflex test?
C6 - C8
What segment of the spinal cord LMNs does the triceps and extensor carpi radiallis reflex test?
C7 - T2
What section of the spinal cord LMNs does the withdrawal reflex test on the pelvic limbs?
L6-S1
What section of the spinal cord LMNs doe the patellar reflex test?
L4-L6
Basically summarise the diagnostic findings when testing reflexes.
Loss of thoracic limb reflexes - lesion C6-T2 - brachial plexus
Loss of pelvic limb reflexes - lesion L4-S3 - lumbosacral plexus
What is the most important prognostic indicator when assessing spinal lesions?
Pain perception
Name the intumescences.
Cervical intumescence - C6-T2
Lumbosacral intumescence - L4-S3
What would you find with lesions in C1-C5?
Tetra or hemiparesis Deficits in all 4 or ipsilateral limbs Normal LMN reflexes No muscle atrophy and normal muscle tone Occ horners, respiratory difficulties and urinary retention
What would you find with lesions in C6-T2?
Tetraparesis/plegia or hemiparesis/plegia
Reduced muscle tone and muscle atrophy
TL Reflexes absent
Reduced or absent cutaneous trunci reflex (Brachial plexus)
Horners syndrome, urinary retention, respiratory difficulties
What would you find with lesions T3-L3?
Paraparesis/plegia
Normal thoracic limbs
Normal spinal reflexes
No muscle atrophy and normal muscle tone
Reduced or absent cutaneous trunci relflexes (T3-L3)
Possibly urinary retention
What would you find with lesions L4-S3?
Paraparesis/plegia Reduced PL reflexes Reduced muscle tone and muscle atrophy Reduced anal tone and perineal reflexes Tail tone and sensation lost in caudal lesions Urinary retention with cranial lesions Faecal incontinence with caudal lesions
How do motor neuropathies present?
Flaccid paralysis
Reduced tone
Muscle atrophy
How do sensory neuropathies present?
Reduced sensation
Paraesthesia and self mutillation
What is an example of a single nerve neuropathy?
Trigeminal nerve neoplasia - masticating muscle atrophy
What is an example of a neuropathy affecting a group of nerves?
Brachial plexus tumour Monoparesis and lameness Reduced reflexes in the affected limb Unilateral cut off at the cutaneous trunci Horners syndrome
What things may cause a polyneuropathy?
Immune mediated
Diabetes mellitus
Hypothyroidism
Degenerative disease
How will a polyneuropathy present on clinical exam?
All reflexes reduced or absent
How do junctionopathies present?
Paresis - usually progresses throughout the day
How do myopathies present?
Generalised paresis and exercise intolerance
Stiff gait
Neck ventroflexion
Normal spinal reflexes
No proprioceptive deficits
Variable muscle tone and bulk
