SAEVA Congress 2018 Proceedings | 12-15 February 2018 | ATKV Goudini Spa
3. Inflammatory (caused by biologic agents as bacteria, viruses, fungi,
protozoa) – multiple lesions are often present. Signs are often bizarre in
nature; some signs are acute in onset; others are insidious in onset. Most
cases are progressive, although regression is possible.
4. Degeneration – signs are insidious in onset and usually progress.
5. Malformation – signs become apparent when the animal is ambulatory.
Skeletal defects are often present, also.
6. Vascular – true atherosclerotic thrombosis (stroke) rarely occurs in
horses. Hemorrhage results secondary to trauma or erosion of vessels by
septic or neoplastic lesions. Signs are usually acute in onset and progress
for a short period, then they stabilize.
B. Functional Disease – signs are usually symmetrical
1. Metabolic – hypoglycemia; electrolyte problems such as hypocalcemia
and/or hypomagnesemia. Signs tend to wax and wane. Animals often
respond to proper therapy.
2. Circulatory – conditions such as congestive heart failure, hypoxia, anoxia.
3. Intoxications – many toxins – chemical or biological – exist which
influence the nervous system.
4. Hepatoencephalopathy – severe liver disease can cause signs of
encephalitis.
C. Ancillary Testing - Identification of nature of lesion and its etiology will
usually require additional examinations to fully evaluate the case. They
may include:
1. Imaging – radiographs, CT, MRI
2. CSF evaluation
3. EEG and/or EMG
4. Hematology, clinical chemistry (BUN, liver enzymes, electrolytes),
serology
THE NEUROLOGICAL EXAMINATION
The neurologic examination can be divided into five, and possibly six parts: 1)
mental status and behavior, 2) cranial nerves, 3) examination of gait and posture, 4)
postural reactions, 5) pain perception, and 6) spinal reflexes (usually only if
recumbent). The order in which a neurologic examination is performed will vary as
to the veterinarian and to the attitude of the patient; but in any case, a thorough and
complete examination should always be done.
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