Nervous system disease exam Flashcards
exam study (27 cards)
A 6-year-old, MN, French Bulldog presents for ataxia and behavior changes. List at least three specific neurologic diagnostic tests that might be performed on this patient.
MRI, CSF Analysis and Serology/PCR
Describe the gait of a patient with paraparesis. How is this different from paraplegia?
Paraparesis means the back legs are weak but still have some movement, while paraplegia means the back legs are completely paralyzed with no movement at all.
Paraparesis:
Weakness in the hind limbs; the animal can still move but struggles.
Paraplegia:
Complete paralysis of the hind limbs; the animal cannot move them at all.
What are the 6 parts of a neuro exam?
Mentation (are they alert?)
Posture & how they walk
Cranial nerves
Postural reactions
Reflexes
Spine check for pain
What breeds are likely to get IVDD?
Dachshunds
Shih Tzus
Pekingese
Basset Hounds
Cocker Spaniels
(Short legs, long backs = spinal drama)
How do you test for pain?
Superficial: pinch between the toes
Deep: pinch the bone with hemostats if they don’t react to the first one
Signs of idiopathic vestibular disease (old dog dizzy spells)?
Head tilt
Eyes flicking (nystagmus)
Wobbling
Falling over
Might be nauseous or not want to eat
Dog has a droopy lip — what nerve is messed up?
Facial nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)
What causes flaccid (limp), ascending paralysis?
Tick paralysis — comes from tick saliva messing with nerves
List 5 seizure meds for pets:
Keppra (Levetiracetam)
Zonisamide
Phenobarbital
Potassium Bromide (KBr)
Diazepam (used during a seizure, not daily)
What do you do if a dog’s having a seizure at the clinic?
Keep it safe and don’t get bit
Don’t move it unless you HAVE to
Give IV diazepam if needed
What dogs are prone to atlantoaxial subluxation?
Tiny breeds (like Yorkies, Chihuahuas) under a year old
Their neck bones aren’t stable
What is Wobbler’s Syndrome?
A spinal disease in the neck (cervical spine)
Seen mostly in Dobermans and Great Danes
Caused by malformed or unstable vertebrae
Signs of Wobbler’s Syndrome
Wobbly walk (especially in back legs)
Knuckling (dragging the tops of paws)
Muscle loss near shoulders
Can get worse over time
Treatment for Wobbler’s Syndrome
Surgery to stabilize the spine
Anti-inflammatories
Cage rest
How do you treat degenerative myelopathy?
You can’t cure it, but you keep them comfy
Diet, exercise, and make the home easier to get around
What surgery helps laryngeal paralysis? What’s the risk?
Tie-back surgery opens the airway
Risk = they might inhale food/water and get pneumonia
How does a fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE) cause neuro issues?
A little chunk of disc or tissue blocks blood flow to the spinal cord
Suddenly the dog can’t walk right
Some recover, some don’t — depends how bad it is
Atlantoaxial Subluxation
Breeds:
Toy breeds (under 1 year old)
Yorkies
Chihuahuas
Pomeranians
Toy Poodles
Wobbler Syndrome (Cervical Spondylomyelopathy)
Doberman Pinschers
Great Danes
Degenerative Myelopathy
Breeds:
German Shepherds (most common)
Boxers
Corgis
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
(more common in older dogs)
Facial Nerve Paralysis
Breeds:
Cocker Spaniels
Corgis
Boxers
English Setters
Domestic Longhaired Cats
Idiopathic Vestibular Disease
Breeds:
Common in older dogs (no breed listed, but often seen in seniors like Labs or Beagles)
