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In the dog, these are: cervical (C1–5: neck), cervical intumescence (C6–T2: thoracic limbs), thoracolumbar (T3–L3: trunk), lumbosacral intumescence (L4–S3: pelvic limbs and pelvic viscera), and caudal segments (Cd1–5: tail).
1. Confirm the existence of a neurologic condition. 2. Localize the lesion (ie, make a neuroanatomical diagnosis). Repeat neurologic examinations are helpful to detect subtle changes or progression of signs. This article will discuss how to perform the neurologic examination.
A conscious and positive deep pain perception response is defined as the animal turning around and making some form of behavioural response that indicates they have perceived the painful stimulus, for example, whimpering or trying to bite when a pair of haemostats is applied to a digit.
The neurologic examination can be divided into 5 parts: mentation, posture, and gait observation; postural reactions; cranial nerve evaluation; spinal reflex evaluation; and spinal palpation. Mentation and General Observation
What is the severity? This can be established most simply as the 5-point scale, originally developed by Ian Griffiths but modified by Wheeler and Sharp. The more advanced 14-point scale, subsequently developed by Natasha Olby, allows finer discrimination of recovery, but is less suited to rapid clinical assessment. Is there progression?
THE SPINAL CORD. Patients with spinal cord lesions have normal mental status and cranial nerves. Spinal cord lesions can be localized based on: Gait abnormalities; Postural reaction deficits; Spinal reflex abnormalities. The spinal cord is divided into 4 functional regions: (1) C1 to C5, (2) C6 to T2, (3) T3 to L3, and (4) L4 to S3.
A neurologic examination evaluates 1) the head and cranial nerves, 2) the gait, or walk, 3) the neck and front legs, and 4) the torso, hind legs, anus, and tail. Your pet’s reflexes will also be tested to determine, if possible, the location of the injury in the brain, spinal cord, or nerves in the peripheral nervous system.
