Feasibility of the neurologic examination in clinically healthy ex situ gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua)

No standardized neurologic examination (NE) protocol currently exists for penguins. This study assessed the feasibility of a modified NE in gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua) at Edinburgh Zoo. One hundred and two healthy penguins were evaluated and divided into four groups, each examined by a different clinician. The feasibility of the NE tests was classified as highly feasible (95%–100%), moderately feasible (75%–95%), or poorly feasible (<75%) on the basis of the response each clinician obtained from the testing. Cranial nerve assessments such as the pupillary light reflex, vestibulo-ocular reflex, jaw tone, and gag reflex were highly feasible, whereas the palpebral reflex and menace response were moderately feasible. Spinal reflexes showed the cloacal reflex as moderately feasible, and the pelvic limb withdrawal reflex as poorly feasible. Postural reactions were moderately feasible. A practical clinician-friendly modified NE was established in gentoo penguins, providing a foundation for standardized neurologic assessments within this species, with a potential use in other Spheniscidae.