In Practice 21: 10-18 (1999)
© 1999 British Veterinary Association

Peripheral neuropathies in small animals

¹ The Department of Anatomy at University College London

THE usual perception of peripheral neuropathies in small animals is that they are uncommon, difficult to diagnose or treat and have a poor prognosis. However, although it is relatively rare to see cases of peripheral neuropathy that have dramatic signs, such as tetraplegia, a large number of animals are presented at small animal practices with a variety of other clinical signs caused by disease of the peripheral nervous system. In common with other neurological disorders, a systematic approach is required to categorise each case of peripheral neuropathy so that appropriate tests or treatment can be carried out. A complete aetiological diagnosis is not always possible because the cause of some of the most common peripheral neuropathies is not known. Furthermore, treatment options are limited. Nevertheless, for many animals affected by this group of diseases the prognosis is good.

Note:

The author would like to thank Dr Mike Targett of the Royal Veterinary College for providing all of the photographs except for the picture of the cat (page 13) and the radiograph (page 15).