Seizures in Small Animals Flashcards
What is a Paroxysm?
a sudden attack that occurs again and again aka seizure
What percentage of the dog population suffers from epileptic seizures?
What about the cat population?
Dog- 5%
Cats- 2%
Where are seizures localised to in the brain?
Forebrain neurolocalisation
What distinguishes epilepsy from a common seizure?
2 unprovoked epileptic seizures more than 24 hours apart
What are the three phases of an epileptic seizure?
i. Aura- alterations in smell, taste, visual perception, hearing
ii. Ictal phase can be focal and generalized erratic movements
iii. Post ictal phase, follows a seizure- drowsiness and confusion
What is the difference between Tonic and Clonic motor activity?
Tonic- sustained increased muscle contraction
Clonic- prolonged, regularly and repetitive contractions
Focal seizures can present as…. (3)
Focal Motor- movements that resemble voluntary motor activity such as chewing), the level of consciousness is usually unaffected
Focal Sensory- behaviourhal seizures e.g. aggression, tail chasong, fly catching
Focal Autonomic- vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling
What is the most common cause of seizures?
What’s the 2nd most common?
Idiopathic then Metabolic
What is the most common motor activity presented in Idiopathic Epilepsy?
Tonic/ Clonic- increased, prolonged muscle contraction
What is Structural Epilepsy?
Seizures that are provoked by intracranial/cerebral pathology such as inflammation, infection etc.
What are reactive seizures?
Seizures that occur as a result of metabolic or toxic insult- so not a form of epilepsy!
What are the two most common causes of reactive seizures?
Intoxications
Hypogylcaemia
How do we diagnose idiopathic epilepsy?
Biochemistry & Urinalysis to rule out differentials
Intracranial imaging & CSF analysis
When are MRI’s or CSF diagnostics indicated for seizures?
When there are intracranial abnormalities and neurolocalisation
In cases of cluster seizures
What is Paroxysmal Dyskinesia?
group of conditions characterized by episodes of abnormal self-limiting movement, dystonic movements (limbs and trunk) & tremors
