title: The avian neurologic examination and ancillary neurodiagnostic techniques: a review update.
abstract: The purpose of this article is to guide the avian clinician in the assessment of neurologic function in birds. Physical and neurologic examinations that evaluate cranial nerves, postural reactions, and spinal reflexes identify neurologic dysfunction and the corresponding anatomic location of the lesion. Ancillary diagnostic tests, such as cerebrospinal fluid analysis, diagnostic imaging, muscle and nerve histology, and electrodiagnostics, are tools to confirm and clarify conclusions from the neurologic examination and to identify the cause of disease. Once the disease location and pathologic process have been identified, appropriate treatment and prognosis may be provided.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Services, Zoological Society of San Diego-San Diego Zoo, 1354 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101-1635, USA. tclippinger@sandiegozoo.org
authors.forename: Tracy L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Clippinger
authors.forename: R Avery
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Bennett
authors.forename: Simon R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Platt
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology; D001715:Bird Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D001717:Birds; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003943:Diagnostic Techniques, Neurological / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D009424:Nervous System Physiological Phenomena; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000662:veterinary; D011379:Prognosis