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| − | [[Neurological Examination Initial Observation - Horse|A]] | + | [[Neurological Examination Initial Observation - Horse]] |
| − | ==Signalment and History==
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| − | ===Signalment===
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| − | * The term "signalment" describes the animal's age, sex and breed.
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| − | * The horse's signalemt may be relevant to the neurological examination.
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| − | ** For example:
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| − | *** A 1 year old thoroughbred colt with ataxia is more likely to have cervical compression than a space occupying lesion.
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| − | *** An Arabian foal suffering seizures may have idiopathic epilepsy.
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| − | ===History===
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| − | * History is a very important component of the neurological examination.
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| − | ** An owner's description of the animal's behaviour or abnormality may both
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| − | *** Help direct the neurological examonation.
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| − | *** Suggest possible differential diagnoses.
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| − | * For example, a recumbent horse with a history of stumbling or knuckling that has recently fallen:
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| − | ** May have underlying cervical vertebral malformation or stenosis, OR
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| − | ** It is possible that the onset of pelvic limb weakness may have followed a spate of respiratory disease or an abortions, if the animal has [[Herpesviridae|EHV1]] myelitis.
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| − | ==Demeanour/ Behaviour==
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| − | * The horse should be examined from a distance to assess behaviour and demeanour.
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| − | * Diseases associated with altered mentation or behaviour tend to involve the forebrain.
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| − | * Levels of consciousness are determined partly by the cerebrum and partly by the reticular activating system in the brainstem.
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| − | ===What to Look For===
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| − | * Assymetrical changes.
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| − | ** These include:
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| − | *** Circling
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| − | *** Head turning
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| − | ** Horses usually circle or turn towards the affected side.
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| − | * Excessive yawning.
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| − | * Head pressing.
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| − | ** This is often a sign of severe obtundation, which may be caused by:
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| − | *** Diffuse cerebral disease.
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| − | *** Metabolic problems, such as hepatic encephalopathy.
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| − | [[Category:Neurological Examination - Horse|B]]
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| | ==[[Cranial Nerve Examination - Horse]]== | | ==[[Cranial Nerve Examination - Horse]]== |