Neurological examination in dogs: in what order to do it
6-year-old Dachshund with acute-onset back pain and pelvic limb weakness. It walks with difficulty and is alert. You are about to perform a full neurological examination.
Which part of the neurological examination should you leave until last?
chevron_right Show answer and explanation
A. Observation of mental status, posture and gait
This comes first: it is done hands-off while the animal is calm, and it guides everything else. If left until last, stress and pain alter gait and demeanour.
B. Postural reactions (proprioceptive positioning and hopping)
They are done early in the hands-on part because they detect subtle deficits. They are only omitted if you suspect an unstable spine (vertebral fracture or luxation).
C. Spinal palpation for pain and, where indicated, assessment of deep pain perception
Correct. Painful tests go last: an animal in pain becomes tense or aggressive and stops cooperating, making the rest of the examination unreliable. Deep pain is only tested if there is no voluntary movement or response to superficial stimuli.
D. Cranial nerve examination
It is not painful and is usually done in the middle of the examination, with the animal standing or sitting. There is no reason to leave it until last.
lightbulb Key takeaway
Practical sequence: hands-off observation (mental status, posture, gait) → postural reactions → spinal reflexes and tone → cranial nerves → palpation and pain perception. With possible spinal trauma, examine in lateral recumbency and do not force postural reactions.
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Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.