Small Animal Medicine (SAM) Neurology Practice Exam

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• What is the pathophysiology of facial nerve paralysis in dogs?
• The cranial nerves III through XII reside in which anatomical region?
• In a dog with thoracolumbar IVDD and absent nociception, what is the approximate prognosis?
• What is the function of limbic structures?
• A 13-year-old dog with staring at the wall and nighttime pacing is most consistent with which diagnosis, and what is a common medical treatment?
• Which function best describes the frontal lobe?
• Which procedure is commonly performed to manage middle ear effusion in suspected otitis media/interna?
• Which nerves are assessed by the palpebral reflex?
• A dog falls over, drifts to one side, or rolls; what type of ataxia is this?
• Normal bladder and normal anal tone with rare lesion suggests which spinal segments?
• How would you treat LMN bladder?
• The patellar reflex involves which nerve?
• Central blindness with intact pupillary light reflex localizes to which region?
• What surgical option is used to treat Chiari-like malformation in dogs?
• Thoracolumbar IVDD treatment options include which of the following?
• Which imaging modality is preferred for planning surgery in IVDD when radiographs show disc mineralization?
• Which disease is described by acute onset forebrain signs and may be diagnosed grossly as NME?
• If hindlimbs show LMN signs including decreased reflexes and reduced muscle tone, which spinal segments are most likely affected?
• Which finding most strongly suggests a central vestibular lesion rather than a peripheral one?
• Which set of structures collectively controls gait?
• Which option describes a forebrain sign aside from seizures?
• Which statement is true about lower motor neuron versus upper motor neuron reflex patterns?
• Which signs are most consistent with Horner's syndrome in a cat?
• What is the function of the occipital lobe?
• A normal cutaneous trunci reflex response is bilateral. If a cut-off is observed, the lesion is cranial to how many spinal cord segments?
• What is the function of the piriform lobe?
• How is Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis (GME) diagnosed?
• The withdrawal reflex involves which nerve?
• If a lesion is located at the midline of the brainstem, which sign is most likely?
• A 14-year-old cat is brought in for drastic behavioral changes. What should be your top differential?
• Which type of ataxia is associated with a hypermetric gait (overstepping or goose stepping)?
• Caudal brachial plexus injury characteristically affects which limb nerves?
• If a dog had an exaggerated patellar reflex, what type of lesion would this indicate?
• In a dog with head tilt, facial nerve deficits, and Horner's syndrome, what is the top differential diagnosis?
• What is the most common brain tumor seen in cats?
• Decreased muscle tone is typical of which disease category?
• Which region is most associated with hearing and vestibular input?
• Which nerves are commonly affected in cranial brachial plexus injury?
• Potassium bromide is discouraged in cats due to risk of severe asthma.
• A 10-year-old dog with seizures presents with circling, lethargy, visual deficits, and hemi-inattention. What is your top differential?
• Alterations in consciousness are most consistent with lesion in which brain region?
• Which branch of the trigeminal nerve carries motor fibers?
• Which cranial nerves mediate the pupillary light reflex?
• A pug with a dome-shaped head, sunset eyes, and a persistent fontanelle has which diagnosis and what is a standard treatment plan?
• Which statement about Feline Ischemic Encephalopathy is NOT described in the materials?
• Which structure is primarily involved in smell?
• Which receptor is targeted by autoantibodies in canine myasthenia gravis?
• Which imaging modality is listed as part of the secondary assessment in head trauma?
• Which neuron type initiates voluntary movement?
• Which cranial nerve carries parasympathetic fibers that constrict the pupil?
• In an older dog with acute onset head tilt and nystagmus, with no cranial nerve deficits or Horner's syndrome and normal postural reactions, what is the most likely diagnosis?
• Which drug can be used to relax the internal urethral sphincter in UMN bladder management?
• Which spinal segment is indicated by HL gait affected, hyperextended front legs, normal forelimb posture reactions, and delayed hindlimb postural reactions?
• Lesions at L4-S3 typically produce LMN signs in which limbs?
• Respiratory problems are most consistent with lesion in which brain region?
• Which combination of clinical signs is most consistent with a midbrain lesion?
• Which anticonvulsant is not given to cats due to causing severe asthma?
• What is the most common brain tumor type seen in dolichocephalic breeds?
• In a Beagle with acute extrusion of the T13 disc, what type of intervertebral disc disease is most likely?
• An older German Shepherd presents with a non-painful, slowly progressive hind limb deficit and reflexes that are normal to hyperactive. What is the most likely diagnosis?
• Describe LMN bladder.
• What is the most common infection to affect the CNS of cats?
• How should IVDD be diagnosed regarding imaging?
• Which forelimb reflex does not require brain input and does not indicate pain?
• LMN damage at spinal segments C6-T2 would primarily affect which region?
• Which region is primarily responsible for vision?
• Which anticonvulsant binds GABA-A receptors, has high oral absorption, but can cause hepatotoxicity and initiating is heavily sedating?
• Central vestibular disease presents with proprioceptive deficits, altered mentation, and vertical nystagmus.
• Which option is NOT a hallmark feature of forebrain disease?
• Which breed is predisposed to Chiari-like malformation?
• Which of the following is an example of a central vestibular disease cause?
• Which spinal segment is indicated by LMN signs to forelimbs: decreased muscle tone and reflexes in forelimbs, hyperactive reflexes in hindlimbs, and UMN bladder?
• A common complication seen in dogs with myasthenia gravis is which of the following?
• Where do ascending sensory and descending motor upper motor neuron pathways cross?
• Postmortem examination reveals necrotizing lesions of the meninges and brain consistent with a specific inflammatory CNS disease. What is the diagnosis?
• Loss of ______ inhibition causes decerebrate rigidity.
• What test is most specific for confirming canine myasthenia gravis?
• Which surgical procedure is described for cervical IVDD in the material?
• Which spinal segments are associated with LMN bladder and anal sphincter?
• Which nerve roots are affected by a caudal injury to the brachial plexus?
• In cerebellar disease, what is typically preserved?
• Which spinal cord segments are typically affected in Schiff-Sherrington phenomenon?
• Where do seizures originate in small animals?
• Which statement best describes feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) related CNS disease?
• Which species is most commonly affected by bilateral vestibular disease?
• Hansen Type 1 IVDD is associated with which histologic change in the nucleus pulposus?
• Peripheral vestibular disease presents as a head tilt and nystagmus in the opposite direction.
• How is idiopathic epilepsy diagnosed?
• Idiopathic epilepsy is diagnosed mainly by what approach?
• Which anticonvulsant is associated with hepatotoxicity and sedation?
• Which statement is true about UMN signs?
• Which cranial nerve signs are commonly seen with otitis media/interna causing peripheral vestibular disease?
• What structure regulates 'rate, range, and force' of movements?
• What are the two most common causes of peripheral vestibular disease in dogs?
• What is the function of the temporal lobe?
• Which is a feature of Schiff-Sherrington phenomenon?
• During the menace response, which two cranial nerves contribute the sensory and motor components, respectively?
• In paradoxical vestibular disease, the head tilt and nystagmus are directed in which relation to the lesion?
• What spinal segments are tested via the cutaneous trunci reflex?
• Which nerve is associated with L4-L5?
• When diagnosing facial nerve paralysis, which two conditions must be ruled out?
• Which items are part of the secondary assessment in head trauma?
• Which imaging modality helps evaluate otitis media/interna in a dog presenting with vestibular signs?
• What is the cause of Feline Ischemic Encephalopathy (FIE)?
• A dog unable to bear weight on its forelimb with an ipsilateral cutaneous trunci deficit suggests which brachial plexus injury?
• If a forebrain lesion is suspected, postural reactions, when abnormal, are usually on which limbs?
• A dog with a subluxated shoulder joint, loss of elbow flexion, and partial weight-bearing most likely has which type of brachial plexus injury?
• Increased muscle tone is typical of which disease category?
• What is the function of the parietal lobe?
• Which acquired neuromuscular disease causes megaesophagus in dogs due to autoantibodies that reduce acetylcholine receptor availability at the neuromuscular junction?
• What spinal segments are tested via the patellar reflex?
• Which medication is commonly used for acute seizure control in dogs and cats?
• Which structure is classically linked to memories, emotions, and behavior?
• Which anticonvulsant has no hepatic metabolism?
• Damage to the oculomotor nerve (CN III) typically produces which combination of deficits?
• Which nerve is associated with L6-L7?
• What should be included in your initial assessment for head trauma?
• Miniature Schnauzer presents with acute, non-painful, non-progressive spinal cord signs; MRI is performed. What is the most likely diagnosis and initial management?
• Which nerve roots are affected by a cranial injury to the brachial plexus?
• Which cranial nerve provides facial sensation?
• Which finding is most consistent with forebrain dysfunction?
• Describe the treatment approach for UMN bladder.
• Decerebrate rigidity is most consistent with lesion in which brain region?
• If a dog has paresis, absent spinal reflexes, and decreased muscle tone from a spinal cord lesion, this most likely indicates a lesion of which type?
• A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel presents with cervical pain, scoliosis, phantom scratching, weakness and ataxia along C1-5 with central vestibular signs. MRI shows Chiari-like malformation. What is the most likely diagnosis?
• In a 1-year-old Great Dane with ataxia progressing to paresis, what is the pathology behind giant-breed cervical spondylomyelopathy?
• What is the normal response of the cutaneous trunci reflex in a healthy dog?
• Which fungal disease more commonly causes discospondylitis-meningoencephalitis that is fatal?
• What is the prognosis for cervical IVDD with medical management in ambulatory patients?
• What class of anticonvulsants are used for emergency seizure control?
• Which best describes LMN signs in the hindlimbs?
• What is the term for absence of menace response with normal PLR and palpebral reflexes?
• Which combination of signs is most consistent with a pons lesion?
• For idiopathic vestibular disease, which statement is true?
• If gait is affected, the problem is most likely located in which part of the nervous system?
• Which spinal segment is affected given UMN bladder, UMN signs in all four limbs, and delayed proprioception?
• Which antiseizure medication would you choose for a patient with decreased liver function?
• Visual information from each eye is processed in which part of the brain due to the optic chiasm?
• Which of the following best describes cerebellar signs in dogs?
• Dysuria is most consistent with lesion in which brain region?
• What is a hallmark sign of brainstem lesions?
• A 9-year-old Golden Retriever presents with a history consistent with a chronic disc protrusion. What type of IVDD is most likely?
• Hansen Type 2 IVDD involves which histologic change in the nucleus pulposus?
• The cutaneous trunci reflex involves which nerve?
• Which ocular sign is typical of Horner's syndrome?
• Which structure does not initiate movement but is essential for coordination and regulation of movement patterns?
• What is the term for the crossing point of major motor and sensory pathways?
• Which structure projects continuous inhibitory impulses back to the vestibular nuclei that is crucial to 'paradoxical vestibular syndrome'?
• Describe reflex test results with a UMN lesion.
• Which neuron type carries out motor function?
• A Labrador Retriever presents with cervical signs, and the diagnosis is cervical IVDD at C6-7. What is the recommended treatment plan?
• Unilateral facial nerve dysfunction can cause which of the following signs?
• The menace response tests which cranial nerves?
• Which breed is specifically mentioned as presenting with FCE in the provided material?
• Which scenario is an indication to initiate lifelong antiseizure therapy?
• In a 2-year-old dog with acute cervical spinal pain and neutrophilic pleocytosis on CSF, what is the top differential diagnosis and initial treatment plan?
• Which treatment combination is listed for Chiari-like malformation in this case?
• Which combination of signs is most consistent with a medulla lesion?
• For thoracolumbar IVDD with intact nociception undergoing surgical intervention, what is the prognosis range?
• Which sign is most consistent with central nervous system involvement rather than peripheral vestibular disease?
• If there is an LMN lesion, will there be reflex deficits?
• Which statement best describes prognosis for canine myasthenia gravis due to risk of aspiration pneumonia?
• What is the most reliable forelimb reflex test?
• Which of the following is a hallmark feature of forebrain (cerebral) diseases in dogs?
• Describe UMN bladder.
• A 7-year-old Doberman Pinscher presents with cervical pain, low head carriage, and resists flexion; you observe a two-engine gait. What is the most likely diagnosis?
• Which combination of signs is most consistent with a cerebellar lesion?
• Which diagnostic steps and treatments are appropriate for suspected otitis media/interna causing peripheral vestibular disease in a dog?
• What is the most common cause of canine epilepsy?
• If a dog drags its digits or stands on the dorsum of its paw, what type of ataxia is this?
• _____ is a common autoimmune (T-cell) hypersensitivity that causes seizures and cerebello-vestibular dysfunction.
• What spinal segments are tested via the withdrawal reflex?
• Is there an effective treatment for degenerative myelopathy?
• Cervical IVDD lesions are most commonly seen at which level in small breed dogs?
• Bilateral atrophy of the temporalis and masseter muscles with a dropped jaw indicates damage to which nerve?
• Which region is most associated with somatosensory processing?
• Which CSF finding is typical for Steroid-Responsive Meningitis/Arteritis?
• Which dog breed is classically associated with cervical spondylomyelopathy?
• What is the most common brain tumor seen in brachycephalic breeds?
• Which cranial nerve is primarily evaluated for facial symmetry such as drooping of the lips, immobile ear, or nose deviation?