ECC ECC Neurological Assessment & Pathology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sign would most strongly indicate cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy (Wobbler Syndrome) in a horse?
- Unilateral forelimb lameness only
- Progressive symmetric ataxia worse in the hindlimbs (Correct answer)
- Sudden-onset head tilt with nystagmus
- Facial nerve paralysis
Correct answer: Progressive symmetric ataxia worse in the hindlimbs
Wobbler Syndrome typically presents as progressive, symmetric ataxia that is more pronounced in the hindlimbs due to spinal cord compression.
Question 2: A horse exhibiting head tilt, nystagmus, and circling is most likely affected by which condition?
- Spinal cord compression at C3–C4
- Peripheral vestibular disease (Correct answer)
- Forebrain neoplasia
- Botulism
Correct answer: Peripheral vestibular disease
Head tilt, nystagmus, and circling toward the affected side are classic signs of peripheral vestibular disease affecting the inner ear or CN VIII.
Question 3: In equine chiropractic, a 'neurological subluxation complex' refers to:
- A fractured vertebra impinging on the cord
- Altered joint motion causing neurological interference (Correct answer)
- Complete spinal cord transection
- Nerve root avulsion
Correct answer: Altered joint motion causing neurological interference
A neurological subluxation complex describes a vertebral motion segment with altered mechanics that creates neurological interference without necessarily causing fracture.
Question 4: Which finding during neurological examination would be a contraindication to chiropractic adjustment in a horse?
- Mild muscle tension at T10–T12
- Grade 1 ataxia with no imaging workup completed for a new case (Correct answer)
- Slight asymmetry in gluteal muscle mass
- Minor reduction in cervical range of motion
Correct answer: Grade 1 ataxia with no imaging workup completed for a new case
Grade 1 ataxia in a new case without imaging is a relative contraindication because an undiagnosed compressive lesion could be worsened by adjustment.
Question 5: The Schiff-Sherrington posture in a recumbent horse suggests a lesion at which spinal level?
- Cervical (C1–C5)
- Thoracolumbar junction (T2–L3) (Correct answer)
- Sacral region
- Brainstem
Correct answer: Thoracolumbar junction (T2–L3)
Schiff-Sherrington posture (rigid forelimb extension with hindlimb paralysis) indicates a severe thoracolumbar spinal cord lesion releasing inhibitory interneurons to the forelimbs.
Question 6: Stringhalt in horses is associated with dysfunction of which nervous system component?
- Sympathetic nervous system
- Lower motor neuron (peripheral nerve) pathology (Correct answer)
- Upper motor neuron tract only
- Cranial nerve IX
Correct answer: Lower motor neuron (peripheral nerve) pathology
Stringhalt involves hyperflexion of the hindlimb and is associated with peripheral nerve (lower motor neuron) dysfunction, often linked to plant toxicity in Australia and the US.
ECC ECC Neurological Assessment & Pathology 2
Which sign would most strongly indicate cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy (Wobbler Syndrome) in a horse?