Seizure Disorders in Dogs and Cats

1
Seizure Disorders in Dogs and Cats

• A common problem in small animal practices

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What is a seizure?

• Transient uncontrolled electrical discharge from
  brain
• Originates in forebrain
• Parts prodrome, ictus, postictal phase
• Change in consciousness, motor activity and
  autonomic signs

3
Seizure Disorders Epilepsy

• Epilepsy- inherited or acquired
• No active disease
• Genetic biochemical defect
• Acquired biochemical defect from previous insult
• No cure- control seizures

4
Seizures Active Disease

• Seizures are only a symptom
• Must treat underlying disease
• Hypoglycemia
• Liver disorder
• Encephalitis
• Toxicity
• Trauma
• Neoplasia

5
Seizures and Signalment

• Idiopathic epilepsy- purebreed dogs 1-3 years of
  age
• Active disease- any age but especially under 6
  months and over 3 years

6
Seizures and Diagnostic Tests

• CBC, serum profile, serum cholinesterase, serum
  bile acids, urinalysis
• Rule out low glucose, liver disorder and OP
  toxicity
• Chest and abdomen radiographs
• Rule out cancer

7
Seizure Evaluation

• CSF analysis
• EEG
• CT or MRI
• All are usually normal in inherited epilepsy
• EEG abnormal
• May be acquired epilepsy or active brain disease

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Seizure Evaluation

• CSF analysis normal in acquired epilepsy
• CSF abnormal in active seizure disease
• CT or MRI- can see encephalitis, neoplasia, and
  hydrocephalus
• MRI best for brain

9
Seizure Treatment

• Acupuncture alone
• Acupuncture in conjunction with drugs
• Chinese herbs
• Valerian root - 50mg, 250 mg, 470 mg, and 530 mg
  capsules

10
Seizure Treatment- Phenobarbital (Pb)

• Cheap and effective
• Dose 2-4 mg/kg for a serum level 20-40 mcg/ml
• Takes 3-5 days to reach steady state
• Safe but can effect the liver in a few cases
• Controls 80 of seizures

11
Seizure Treatment - KBr

• Compounded by pharmacist dissolved in H2O at
  250mg/ml
• Use alone or in conjunction with Pb
• Bypass liver
• Good for cluster seizures

12
Treatment- Status Epilepticus

• Diazepam 0.5 mg/kg IV
• Diazepam constant infusion0.2 mg/kg/hr
• Pentobarbital and phenobarbital
• Monitor respirations
• Check glucose

13
Evaluation of Cases

• Types of seizures
• Case diagnosis and treatment