Nervous System e.g. “wobblers”, seizures, head tilt
Full neurological examination
When a horse is showing (or there is suspicion of) an abnormality of the nervous system it is important that a thorough neurological examination is performed. Our clinicians take a systemised approach to carefully assess all aspects of the function of a horse’s nervous system. They are trained to recognise even very subtle abnormalities and can provide guidelines for further diagnostic tests.
X-rays
Our high-powered X-ray machines and radiography staff enable us to obtain excellent quality X-rays of horses’ skull and spinal column. Fractures, infections, and dislocations can all contribute abnormalities of the nervous system. X-rays can detect many of these problems. X-rays are important in determining whether a horse is a “wobbler” or not.
Myelogram
Sometimes it is unclear if an abnormality seen on X-ray is causing spinal cord compression. In order to confirm or rule out spinal cord compression, a myelogram can be performed. This procedure involves anaesthetising a horse and injecting a radio opaque dye into the spinal canal. X-rays are then taken with the horse’s neck in resting, flexed and extended positions and changes in the dye thickness within the spinal canal are assessed for evidence of compression.
CSF analysis
The spinal cord and brain are bathed in a fluid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Sometimes an inflammatory or infectious process can occur within the nervous system and may manifest with changes in the CSF. Obtaining CSF is technically difficult, however, our clinicians are experienced with this technique. CSF analysis can prove useful in some cases of nervous system disease.
