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=NFhcFZ9YhTo&feature=related

Care of a Seizing Animal 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=T2wTUeAk7ks

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=RzWoeczn2I8

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=xLlL24shW7E

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 life- limiting At risk: German Shepherds and other large breeds Genetically linked- blood test thru OFA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukjJXs9C6D4&feature=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=ipVO3ZnrzWk

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=P8PJV9ThAUo