Seizures & IVDD

What do seizures represent in terms of brain activity?

Seizures represent an acute and usually brief disturbance of normal electrical activity in the brain.

What causes seizures in the brain?

Seizures are caused by paroxysmal discharges from groups of neurons due to excessive excitation or loss of inhibition.

Extracranial means..

Outside of the brain

Are seizures common in dogs or cats?

Seizures are common in dogs and rare in cats.

What are other terms used to refer to seizures?

Seizures can also be referred to as convulsions or fits.

How frequently are seizures reported in dogs?

Seizures are one of the most frequently reported neurological conditions in dogs.

How can seizures affect both the animal and the owner?

Seizures can be distressing for both the patient and the owner.

Seizure classification

- Intracranial
- Extracranial

How are seizures classified?

Based on their cause

Intracranial means..

Inside of the brain

What health issue seen in cavaliers can cause seizures?

Syringomyelia

Intracranial involves

- Structural error
- Head Trauma
- Brain tumour
- idiopathic epilepsy

Extracranial involves

- Reactive
- Toxins
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Infectious agent
- Metabolic disturbances (liver)

How can a brain tumour cause a seizure?

A brain tumour doesn't have to cause an issue, but as it grows it can cause a seizure as a result

How can lungworm cause a seizure?

It can migrate up to the brain and cause a seizure

Three stages of seizures are..

- Pre-Ictal phase
- Ictal phase
- post-Ictal phase

What is the pre-ictal phase?

The period of time prior to the convulsion starting.

What signs can owners pick up on during the pre-ictal phase?

Restlessness, pacing, and panting.

When does the pre-ictal phase occur?

Before the seizure occurs.

Ictal phase

- represents the convulsion
- the seizure itself

What is the Post-Ictal phase?

The time immediately after a seizure occurs.

How long can the Post-Ictal phase last?

It can last for days.

What are common symptoms during the Post-Ictal phase?

Tiredness, hunger, and confusion.

What happens to muscles during a seizure?

Muscles become tense.

What factors can influence the duration of a seizure?

Dependent on individual and potential cause involved

What is the typical duration of a seizure?

Normally between 30 seconds to 5 minutes long

When may medical intervention be needed during a seizure?

If the seizure lasts longer than 2 minutes

What characterizes a petit mal seizure?

Short minor convulsions with slight muscle tremors, but no full convulsion occurs

What are the features of a grand mal seizure?

Loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions

What is status epilepticus?

A series of repeated convulsions without the animal regaining consciousness, which is life threatening

What are the two types of seizures mentioned?

Petite mal and grand mal

Do petite mal and grand mal seizures relate to duration?

No, they relate to the amount of palpitations, convulsions, and movements.

Can an animal experience both petite mal and grand mal seizures?

Yes, a person can have petite mal and a grand mal in the future, and vice versa.

What characterizes a petite mal seizure?

Multiple issues within the brain, not responding to the owner, and not being 'with it.'

What characterizes a grand mal seizure?

Loss of consciousness and the ability to respond to their name once they start to come out of the seizure.

What is a partial seizure?

A seizure that only affects a single area of the body.

What part of the brain is involved in a partial seizure?

Electrical activity occurs in one side of the brain or a small part of the brain.

Does a partial seizure involve loss of consciousness?

No, there is no loss of consciousness during a partial seizure.

What are some symptoms of a partial seizure?

Symptoms may include twitching, mastication, salivation, and repetitive movements, such as around the eye or one side of the face.

What should you ask an owner about their pet's seizure?

How long they have been seizing for.

What should you do to reduce stimulation during a seizure?

Turn off lights and TV, and be quiet.

Why should you move your pet away from the top of stairs during a seizure?

To prevent the pet from getting hurt.

What should you avoid doing to a seizing animal?

Try not to move them, as it can cause the seizure to last longer and potentially cause injury.

What should the owner do while their pet is seizing?

Time the seizure and observe if the pet goes back into another seizure after it ends.

seizure advice

- Reassure the owner in a calm voice

- Record the time the convulsions began - stop watch

- Monitor the animal & observe exactly what happens - video?

- Remove any harmful objects

- Maintain a dark/quiet environment

- Do not move or handle the animal - do not put hand in their mouth!

- Reassure the animal once fit ceased

- Make an appointment for clinical examination

Obtaining clinical history

- Description of episode

- How long has the fit lasted?

- What was the animal doing before, during and after the fit occurred?

- How frequent are they?

- Did the animal urinate or defaecate during the seizure?

- Did the animal lose consciousness?

What is Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)?

A condition characterized by degenerative changes within the intervertebral discs.

What percentage of Intervertebral Disc Disease cases are cervical?

15%

What percentage of Intervertebral Disc Disease cases are thoracolumbar?

85%

What happens to the cushioning properties of the disc in Intervertebral Disc Disease?

They deteriorate.

What are the two types of disc issues that can result from Intervertebral Disc Disease?

Protrusion and extrusion.

Which dog breed is most commonly affected by Intervertebral Disc Disease?

Dachshund.

What is a common symptom of disc prolapse in Intervertebral Disc Disease?

Disc prolapses.

What type of joints do intervertebral discs form between vertebrae?

Cartilaginous joints

What is the fibrous outer ring of the intervertebral disc called?

Annulus Fibrosus

What is the gel-like interior of the intervertebral disc called?

Nucleus Pulposus

What is the primary function of the Nucleus pulpous in the intervertebral disc?

Acts as a shock absorber

What are Hansen types?

Hansen types are classifications of disc disease.

What is Hansen type I?

Hansen type I is characterized by extrusion.

What is Hansen type II?

Hansen type II is characterized by protrusion.

What analogy is used to describe the anatomy of intervertebral discs?

The anatomy of intervertebral discs is compared to a donut.

What is the presentation of Hansen Type 1 - Extrusion?

Acute and sudden presentation

What is the 'jam doughnut effect' in Hansen Type 1 - Extrusion?

If we step on a doughnut, the jam explodes out

What happens to the nucleus pulposus in Hansen Type 1 - Extrusion?

The nucleus pulposus extrudes through the annulus fibrosus into the spinal cord

Which breeds are commonly affected by Hansen Type 1 - Extrusion?

Chondrodystrophic breeds like Dachshund and Bassett Hound

Can Hansen Type 1 - Extrusion occur in any dog breed?

Yes, it can occur in any breed

What age group of dogs is typically affected by Hansen Type 1 - Extrusion?

Young to middle aged dogs

What are the clinical signs of Hansen Type 1 - extrusion?

Clinical signs depend on where the disc is affected.

Which spinal regions are commonly affected in Hansen Type 1 - extrusion?

Commonly T3 - L3.

What is a common mobility issue in Hansen Type 1 - extrusion?

Non-ambulatory.

What is a common symptom in the pelvic limbs for Hansen Type 1 - extrusion?

Pelvic limb paraparesis.

What proprioceptive issue is associated with Hansen Type 1 - extrusion?

Poor proprioception.

What reflex may be absent or abnormal in Hansen Type 1 - extrusion?

Absent or abnormal withdrawal reflexes.

What is a critical sensory loss in Hansen Type 1 - extrusion?

Absence of deep pain perception.

What posture may be observed in Hansen Type 1 - extrusion?

Schiff-Sherrington posture.

What is the 'jam doughnut effect' in relation to Hanse Type 2 protrusion?

It refers to the phenomenon where slight pressure causes the circumference to expand.

Which type of dogs commonly experience Hanse Type 2 protrusion?

Common in older large breed dogs, e.g. German Shepherd Dogs (GSD).

What degeneration occurs in Hanse Type 2 protrusion?

Degeneration of the nucleus pulposus.

What happens to the annulus fibrosus in Hanse Type 2 protrusion?

There is protrusion of the annulus fibrosus.

What is a characteristic change in the annulus related to Hanse Type 2 protrusion?

Hypertrophy of the annulus.

Is Hanse Type 2 protrusion acute or chronic?

Chronic.

What are the clinical signs of Hansen type 2 protrusion?

Clinical signs are insidious.

When do clinical signs of Hansen type 2 protrusion commonly appear?

Common to only show signs of dynamic compression e.g. when jumping.

What are two clinical signs of Hansen type 2 protrusion?

- Yelping (unprovoked or when handled)

- Reluctance to jump or climb.

What is a physical posture sign of Hansen type 2 protrusion?

Low head carriage and arched back.

What is a behavioral sign of Hansen type 2 protrusion?

Restlessness and panting.

What is a sign indicating discomfort in the head and neck for Hansen type 2 protrusion?

Reluctance to move head and neck.