Evaluation of the thoraco-laryngeal reflex ('slap test') as an aid to the diagnosis of cervical spinal cord and brainstem disease in horses.

A study was conducted over a 12 month period to assess the specificity and sensitivity of the 'slap test', using endoscopic evaluation, in the detection of cervical spinal cord and caudal brainstem lesions in horses. Fifteen ataxic horses were subjected to the 'slap test' and subsequently examined post mortem. Twelve out of the 15 had histopathological lesions consistent with their clinical signs.

Evaluation of the thoraco-laryngeal reflex ('slap test') as an indicator of laryngeal adductor myopathy in the horse.

A study was conducted over a 12 month period to assess the accuracy of the 'slap test' in the diagnosis of laryngeal adductor myopathy. The thoraco-laryngeal reflexes of 15 horses with no clinical signs of idiopathic laryngeal hemiplegia (ILH) were recorded using a video-endoscope. These 'slap test' responses were examined independently by 3 assessors.

Ataxia due to a vertebral haemangiosarcoma in a horse.

A haemangiosarcoma in a horse resulted in ataxia affecting all four legs, a low head carriage and a reluctance to flex the neck. Ancillary diagnostic procedures included the analysis of cerebrospinal fluid, standing lateral cervical radiographs and a myelogram. Post mortem a tumour was found which involved the body of the second cervical vertebra and the associated hypaxial muscles, with secondary intravertebral extradural infiltration and focal compressive myelopathy.

Diaphragmatic herniation causing respiratory signs in a heifer.

A diaphragmatic hernia was found in a pre-partum dairy heifer that was exhibiting signs of respiratory disease. Ruminal tympany was included in the history although this was not a feature of the disease on admission. Diagnosis was made by auscultation and confirmed by radiology and during elective Caesarean section to remove the fetus.