Tonic neck reaction

The tonic neck reaction (engl. Tonic neck reaction ) is a neurological test in veterinary medicine , which in all domestic animals can be applied. It is one of the so-called postural and postural reactions and tests the interaction between the receptors for self-perception ( proprioception ) in the neck, the sense of balance and the motor system .

execution

During this examination, the head of the standing animal is raised. A neurologically healthy animal reacts with a slight extension of the fore limbs and a slight flexion of the hind limbs. When the head joints are bent, the reaction is the opposite: the front limbs are bent and the rear limbs are stretched. Moving the neck to one side slightly elongates the front limb on the same side and flexes the other side.

Diagnostic significance

The proprioceptors of the anterior neck muscles, the cerebellum and the reticular formation are involved in the tonic neck reaction . From here, the muscles are stimulated via the extrapyramidal motor system .

Abnormal reactions (stretching instead of bending) are a sign of impaired proprioception and usually occur in connection with damage to the cerebellar side cords . An increased or absent tonic neck reaction can occur with lesions of the cerebellum. Failure to respond can also indicate damage to the upper and lower motor neurons.

literature

• André Jaggy: Atlas and textbook of small animal neurology . Schlütersche, Hannover 2005, ISBN 3-87706-739-5 .
• Marc Vandevelde among others: Veterinary neurology. A guide for study and practice. 2nd revised and expanded edition. Paul Parey Verlag, Berlin 2001, ISBN 3-8263-3224-5 .

This article is about a health issue. It is not used for self-diagnosis and does not replace a diagnosis by a doctor. Please note the information on health issues !