How is the menace reflex evaluated?

The menace reflex is evaluated by moving an open palm toward the animal's eye. This reflex is a test of the animal's ability to see and respond to a perceived threat. When the hand approaches the eye, the normal response in a healthy animal is to blink or close the eyes as a protective measure. This reaction indicates not only the functional integrity of the optic nerve (which is responsible for sight) but also the facial nerve (which controls eyelid movement).

Using an open palm is crucial because it allows the animal to see the movement without a sudden or startling approach, which could skew the assessment. Other methods listed, such as touching the tail or pinching the skin, assess different physical responses and do not evaluate the menace reflex specifically. Opening the mouth does not pertain to this reflex at all, as it does not provide any information regarding the visual and protective capabilities associated with the eyes.