Welcome to Neurobites. Each week we feature a useful veterinary neurology tip for our referral community, created by one of our board-certified neurologists.
Watch Dr. Higginbotham discuss the withdrawal reflex. A transcript of this video can be found below.
“Hi, this is Dr. Higginbotham with BVNS in Richmond. Let’s talk about the withdrawal reflex in the rear limb. We all know the patella reflex checks the function of the femoral nerve on the front side of the limb. The withdrawal reflex is the easiest and most predictable indicator of sciatic integrity. And as always, a normal withdrawal reflex does not necessarily indicate deep pain perception. The key to assessing the withdrawal reflex is that we have to see a complete flexion of the tarsus and the digits in order to say that the sciatic nerve is intact. Incomplete flexion or just flexion at the hip as an attempt to pull the limb away from you is simply showing the femoral nerve and psoas major muscles are working. So hip flexion alone doesn’t count. Don’t be tricked. We have to see that full flexion of the tarsus. I hope this tip helps out.”
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