Introduction

• The primary aims of a neurologic examination are to confirm whether or not a neurologic abnormality exists and to determine the location of the lesion(s) within the nervous system.
• Having a standard order in which the examination is performed helps reduce omissions of tests and observations.
• The rationale for the sequence of the examination is:
  • It starts at the head and proceeds caudally to the tail.
  • It is used for patients of all sizes and whether the patient is ambulatory or recumbent.
  • It considers the anatomic location of lesions as the examination proceeds.
  • Even if parts of the examination must be omitted because of the nature of the patient, suspicion of fracture, or financial constraints, the sequence ought to be followed.

• Frequently, the presence of a neurologic lesion(s) cannot be deduced until the end of a thorough neurologic, and sometimes orthopedic, examination. 
• After localization of the problem, and consideration of the signalment and historical disease course, a realistic differential diagnosis list can be formulated.
• Diagnostic tests are next chosen to ascertain the ultimate diagnosis.
• An accurate diagnosis provides information important for formulation of a treatment plan and realistic prognosis for the owner.

Equipment required

Approach

Involuntary movements

Postural reactions

Cranial nerve examination

Spinal reflexes

Ancillary diagnostic aids

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed Papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Mancinelli E (2015) Neurologic examination and diagnostic testing in rabbits, ferrets, and rodents. J Exotic Pet Med 24 (1), 52-64 SciDirect.

Other sources of information

• Antinoff N & Giovanella C J (2012) Ferrets: Musculoskeletal and Neurologic Diseases. In: Ferrets, Rabbits and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery. 3^rd edn. Eds: Quesenberry K E & Carpenter J W. Elsevier, USA. pp 132-140. 
• Lewis W (2009) Ferrets: Nervous and Musculoskeletal Disorders. In: BSAVA Manual of Rodents and Ferrets. Eds: Keeble E & Meredith A. BSAVA, UK. pp 303-310.