Neurologic Examination of Horses in the Field (AAEP 2010)

What does a veterinarian look for when evaluating a horse for neurologic disease? Hint: The neurologic exam starts with simple field tests, not sophisticated imaging equipment. “Each clinician has his or her own method of performing a neurologic exam
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What does a veterinarian look for when evaluating a horse for neurologic disease? Hint: The neurologic exam starts with simple field tests, not sophisticated imaging equipment. Amy Johnson, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM-LAIM, lecturer in clinical studies at the University of Pennsylvania, discussed field neurologic examination of horses at the 2010 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, held Dec. 4-8 in Baltimore, Md.

"Each clinician has his or her own method of performing a neurologic exam; the most important aspect (of the neurologic exam) is to develop a system and use it consistently to avoid overlooking abnormalities," she began.

She described four sections of the neurologic exam as follows:

  • Evaluation of mental status;
  • Cranial nerve examination;
  • Spinal reflexes and muscle evaluation; and
  • Gait and postural examination.

Under-saddle evaluation isn’t required, and in fact Johnson recommended against this practice for safety reasons if a horse is showing neurologic signs

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Written by:

Christy West has a BS in Equine Science from the University of Kentucky, and an MS in Agricultural Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

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