[Neurological examination and neuroanatomical localization in companion rabbits - an important step for diagnosis]

Neurological examination in pet rabbits aims at localizing lesions within the nervous system in order to determine differential diagnoses and appropriate further diagnostics. Due to species-specific behavior and anatomical differences, the standard examination protocol used in small animals requires modification. In 2 published studies involving clinically healthy pet rabbits, several neurological tests were found to be either non-applicable or to require adjustments. The examination includes the assessment of consciousness and behavior, posture, gait, cranial nerve function, postural reactions, as well as spinal reflexes. Certain tests, such as the menace response and some placing reactions of the hind limbs, were not consistently elicitable. Others, such as the wheelbarrow test, hemiwalking, and the righting response, were performed reliably. The systematic validation of neurological tests for the diagnosis of specific neurological disease in rabbits is still lacking to date. Neuroanatomical localization is therefore carried out in the same way as for dogs and cats. Paresis or paralysis and vestibular signs are the most common neurological signs in rabbits. Differentiation between upper (UMN) and lower motor neuron (LMN) lesions allows localization to specific spinal cord segments or to the neuromuscular structures. Common causes of paresis/paralysis include traumatic or inflammatory myelopathies. Vestibular signs require localization to the central or peripheral components of the vestibular system.