The Reliability of the Neurological Examination in Cats and Rabbits and Accuracy Evaluation of Neuro-localization in Cats
Date Issued
2015
Date
2015
Author(s)
Tsai, Chyong-Ying
Abstract
The neurological examination is crucial for clinicians to identify neurological problems, and obtain anatomical diagnosis. However, the reliability and accuracy of the neurological examination has not been fully established in many species. Cats and rabbits are especially difficult to handle, and results obtained from the neurological examination in these two species are often uncertain and inconsistent between examiners. Based on clinical experience, the author also notices that the agreement between neuro-localization based on examination and lesion location obtained from further diagnostic modalities is sometimes not ideal in feline patients. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility and reliability in normal cats and rabbits, aiming to provide a revised neurological examination that produces more accurate results. In addition, the agreement between neuro-localization obtained from neurological examination and lesion location identified on MR images in feline patients were evaluated. Fifty-five cats and thirty-four rabbits were included in the first and second part of study. In both species, several tests were identified as poor either in feasibility or reliability. Specific methods producing higher reliability in certain tests were identified. The agreement between neuro-localization obtained from neurological examination and lesion location identified on magnetic resonance images was assessed in 73 cats with neurological diseases. The overall agreement was relatively low, especially in cases with a multifocal neuro-localization. Regarding individual neuro-localizations, agreement was high in the peripheral nervous system and forebrain. Based on the results, clinicians should bear in mind that the neurological examination may be misleading, and there may be a certain degree of mismatch between neuro-localization and lesion location. Identifying and performing reliable tests with suitable methods may increase the accuracy of the neurological examination in obtaining correct anatomic diagnosis.
Subjects
neurological examination
cat
rabbit
magnetic resonance imaging
reliability
Type
thesis
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