Bovine neurologic disease

Demystifying the workup

Abstract

It is of paramount importance for a bovine practitioner to be proficient in performing a safe and effective neurologic examination that allows the veterinarian to confirm whether neurologic disease is present, and then localize the lesion or lesions to a particular neuroanatomic location. A careful and thorough evaluation involves a good history and signalment, a distance examination evaluating behavior, posture, and gait, and a complete physical examination followed by a thorough neurologic evaluation with a particular focus on mentation, cranial nerve assessment, postural reactions, spinal reflexes and presence or absence of sensation when applicable and possible. Once the clinician has identified the area of the neurologic system most likely to be affected, the list of differential diagnoses can be generated and a diagnostic and/or treatment plan can be instituted.