The physical examination is then followed by a neurological examination (REQUIRES LOGIN; FOR VETERINARIANS).
In this specialized examination the head, limbs and body are tested in a systematic fashion. The aim of the neurological examination is to define what part of the nervous system has been damaged in each animal.
Figure 2A: This cat has an obvious head tilt, which indicates a disturbance affecting the system of balance known as the vestibular system. A head tilt can be caused by a problem either in the structures of the inner ear or in an area of the brain called the brainstem.
Figure 2B: The rear half of this dog’s body is paralyzed due to a disc extrusion that has damaged the spinal cord at the level of the last rib.
Many of the tests performed during the neurological examination, for example the patellar reflex shown below, are similar to those done in a human neurological examination. Some distinct differences exist between human and animal neurology. One difference is the dependence of humans on the motor centers in the cerebral cortex of the brain. Humans with injuries in this area, for example caused by a stroke, are often paralyzed on the opposite side of their bodies whereas most animals are able to walk normally after a similar injury.
Figure 2C: Testing the patellar reflex of a dog.
