The Probability of Reaching a Correct Diagnosis in Veterinary Neurology

Presentation Description: This interactive session will examine the underpinnings of that critical step in the classical medical paradigm – establishing a diagnosis. We learn about and employ a variety of pieces of information to achieve this end; signalment, history, physical and neurological examinations, and many different types of diagnostic tests and procedures. However, we rarely talk about the quality of the evidence obtained and the process by which we make key decisions in the face of incomplete information. This session will probe these aspects of decision making in veterinary neurology, illustrated by case examples that will incorporate audience feedback. Along the way, we will pull from work produced by veterinary and medical sources but also from other fields, including psychology, ornithology and the surprising insights that can be gleaned from poker players.