The Neurological Examination and Lesion Localization in the Companion Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) (original) (raw)

Results of a Modified Neurological Examination in 26 Healthy Rabbits

Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine, 2019

Up to 11% of rabbit cases in clinical practice present with suspected neurological disease, necessitating a detailed neurological examination. However, neurological evaluations of rabbits are usually based on protocols developed for dogs, and fail to take into account the differences in reaction patterns between prey and predator species. The aim of this study was to report the results of a neurological examination modified for rabbits, so that clinicians might avoid misinterpretation of test results and reduce both the length of the examination and related stress. A neurological examination protocol for rabbits as suggested by Vernau et al (2007) 1 was tested on 26 healthy rabbits, and the applicability of each test assessed. A number of tests were not found to be useful, e.g. the consensual pupillary light reflex (PLR) which elicited a response in only 6/23 animals. Based on our results, we recommend a rabbit-specific neurological examination, which is shorter and less stressful for the patient.

Examination of Skull, Spine, Nerves, and Neurocutaneous Markers

2021

Examination of the skull, spine, thickened nerves, and presence of any neurocutaneous markers is conducted as a routine at the end of the neurological examination, though a variety of these deformities, e.g., Kyphosis, Scoliosis, or skull abnormalities are already obvious during other previous evaluations.

Of Neurological Examination-Differential Diagnosis for Intracranial Diseases in Cats and Dogs

2019

This review paper aimed to gather together the most relevant findings concerning the neurological examination and the localization of the lesion in the central nervous system. Clinical signs are specific depending on the regions of the brain involved (forebrain, brain stem, cerebellum or vestibular apparatus). In order to obtain and correlate these signs to a certain localization of the lesion, it is necessary that some steps be strictly followed when examining the animal. The first step is to obtain the full medical history of the patient by discussing with the owner. The physician must then perform the physical examination, followed by a complete and correct neurological examination. Neurological signs can be associated to a certain region of the brain. The mental status is evaluated first, followed by the behavior and the way the animal interacts with the environment, the postural reactions (head, body, limbs) and the gait, cranial nerves, proprioception, spinal reflexes, pannicu...

Cranial nerve assessment: A concise guide to clinical examination

Clinical Anatomy, 2013

Examination of the cranial nerves is an integral and important part of a complete neurological examination. Historically, these skills were crucial for diagnosing specific lesions. With the development of modern imaging modalities, the significance of clinical examination techniques has perhaps been undermined. The authors present an overview of each cranial nerve with a concise summary of examination techniques.

Functional Neuroanatomy of the Domestic Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice, 2007

This article provides a clinically relevant review of the neuroanatomy of the central nervous system of the domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) that will help guide veterinarians in localizing neurological disease in this species. The vertebral column, spinal cord and brain of rabbits are similar to those of other mammals; however, where they exist, features unique to the rabbit are emphasized.

The diagnostic accuracy of selected neurological tests

Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, 2012

The diagnostic value and reliability of selected neurological clinical tests was studied in control subjects with normal neuroimaging (n = 42), and subjects with a focal brain lesion (n = 38). The items were studied by two examiners blinded to group membership and using standardized protocols, and subsequently by a neurologist who was not blinded to diagnosis. The positive likelihood ratios ranged from 1.06 (pronator drift) to 22.11 (single leg stance with eyes open, while the negative likelihood ratios ranged from 0.47 (tandem gait) to 0.97 (pupil symmetry). Three items (single leg stance -eyes closed -firm surface; single leg stance -eyes open -foam surface; and tandem gait) successfully distinguished between the two groups (odds ratio p < 0.05). The inter-rater reliability was generally poor, with only tandem gait showing excellent agreement (kappa [K] = 0.92). Tandem gait was the only item to show noteworthy agreement (K = 0.93) between the examiners and the neurologist. The tests varied considerably in their ability to detect radiologically demonstrated structural brain lesions, and several items were poorly reproducible, questioning their value as part of a routine neurological examination.