Nervous System Diseases Common Signs and Symptoms Ataxia

Nervous System Diseases

Common Signs and Symptoms �Ataxia �Loss of Control of Bladder �Seizures �Proprioception Deficits �Eyes Abnormal Nystagmus Pupils dilated or different sizes

Most Commonly Seen Diseases �Seizure Disorders �Cervical Disk Disease �Equine Protozoal Myloencephalitis �Botulism �Cerebellar Hypoplasia �Degenerative Myelopathy �Rabies

Seizure Disorders What is a seizure? 3 categories: �Generalized (most common)- Entire body involved, loss of consciousness, paddling, loss of bowel and bladder function �Partial- may involve part of the body and turn into generalized seizures �Psychomotor- involuntary circling, howling, snapping Post-ictal phase- period following a seizure when the animal is extremely tired, disoriented http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=NFhc. FZ 9 Yh. To&feature=related

Care of a Seizing Animal 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Make sure they can’t hurt themselves: move furniture, keep away from stairs NEVER put your hands near the teeth TIME the event- more than 5 minutes, you need to seek help Cushion head if needed to prevent injury Temperature can rise quickly- get help if needed Clean up animal afterwards Write time of seizure on calendar- keep track of how often they happen

Causes of Seizures �If animal is under 1 year: Infection or genetic defect �Animals 1 -5 yrs old: Epilepsy- recurrent seizures, especially in Schnauzers, Cocker Spaniels, Bassets and Collies �Animals over 5 years: Most commonly due to brain tumor �Toxins can cause seizures �Sometimes we don’t know….

Treatment of Seizures �If seizures happen more than once a month…or more than 5 minutes: Immediate intervention: Valium IV or Phenobarbitol IV �Phenobarbitol- Pill given BID, has side effects, needs blood tests to prevent damage to liver MUST be given same time of day, every day, indefinitely �Potassium Bromide and other drugs can work but not known to be as effective

Cervical Disk Disease �Spinal cord is compressed by cervical disk material, the dog or cat can experience Mild (neck pain) to severe (complete paralysis of all four legs and with no pain perception). Paralysis, pain, clumsiness -Cause: Trauma, genetics- daschunds - Treatment: Anti-inflammatories, STRICT crate rest, pain relief, possible surgery

Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) � Signs/symptoms: Lameness, loss of muscle mass, can cause respiratory issue and seizures �Cause: Parasite carried in opossum feces, picked up by horses and it travels to the spinal cord �Treatment: Anti-inflammatories, pain relief, anti- protozoals Difficult to treat, treatment can cause worse symptoms http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=T 2 w. TUe. Ak 7 ks

Botulism �Signs/Symptoms: Paralysis of muscles, starts around the head Eventually animals lose control of swallowing and respiration as well as complete loss of muscle control �Treatment: Antitoxin, Nursing care �Mainly happens in large animals �Is preventable with vaccines! http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Rz. Woeczn 2 I 8

Cerebellar Hypoplasia �Feline Disease �Cause: Cerebellum is damaged/destroyed in utero due to feline distemper virus �Signs/symptoms: Kittens that are uncoordinated, lean against walls �Treatment: None, these cats can have normal, full lives with correct care �http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=x. Ll. L 24 sh. W 7 E

Degenerative Myelopathy �Signs/symptoms: Progressive loss of feeling and use of hind limbs and tail �Cause: unknown, the nerves in the end of the spinal cord stop working �Treatment: None, limited exercise helps, can be lifelimiting �At risk: German Shepherds and other large breeds �Genetically linked- blood test thru OFA �http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=ukj. JXs 9 C 6 D 4&featu re=related

Rabies �Signs: excessive salivation, foaming at mouth, lack of coordination, or stumbling �Vaccinations should be given to dogs, cats, ferrets, and livestock in order to prevent it �http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=ip. VO 3 Znrz. Wk

Previously Discussed Nervous System Diseases �Rabies �Distemper �Listeriosis

Wrapping it up… �Most Nervous System Diseases are difficult to treat and diagnose. �Specialist veterinarians: Neurologists- at specialty clinics and universities �Neuro exam: http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=P 8 PJV 9 Th. AUo