seizures SA

What factors should be considered in the history of a seizure episode?

Duration, frequency, triggers, signs between episodes, other neurological signs, and vaccination history.

What age group is idiopathic epilepsy most likely to occur in?

6 months to 1 year old.

What is the first-line anti-convulsant treatment for dogs and cats?

Phenobarbitone.

What side effects are associated with Phenobarbitone?

Sedation, PUPD, polyphagia, increased liver enzymes.

How long does it take for Phenobarbitone to reach the desired blood level?

2 weeks.

What is a common side effect of Imepitoin?

Sedation, PUPD, polyphagia.

Which anti-convulsant requires 2 months to reach the desired blood level?

Potassium bromide.

What should you do if a patient is hypoglycemic?

Give glucose.

What are some neurological examination signs to look for in a seizure patient?

Vestibular signs like head tilt and non-forebrain signs.

What metabolic conditions may lead to seizures?

Hypoglycemia, diabetes, hepatic encephalopathy, thiamine deficiency.

What diagnostic imaging is used to rule out structural causes of seizures?

MRI/CT.

What is the treatment for insulinoma?

Corticosteroids and nutritional management.

What should be done for a patient with increased ICP due to inflammation?

Administer corticosteroids.

What could be an underlying cause of seizures related to oxygen levels?

Decreased oxygen to the brain due to shock.

What is one treatment for hepatic encephalopathy?

Low protein diet to decrease ammonia.

Name one infectious cause of inflammatory seizures.

FIP or rabies.

What is status epilepticus?

Uncontrolled seizures.

What should be assessed if there are signs of increased ICP?

Swelling of the optic disk and fundus hemorrhage.

What kind of seizure-related signs might indicate a structural cause?

Abnormal signs between seizures.

What should you consider if all other causes are ruled out in a seizure case?

Idiopathic epilepsy.

How can diabetes related seizures be managed?

Control blood sugar with insulin.

What supplementation can prevent neurological symptoms associated with thiamine deficiency?

Supplement vitamin B1.

What condition associated with seizures results in low glucose due to xylitol toxicity?

Insulin spikes.

What should be done for a dog with stroke symptoms?

Use clopidogrel or aspirin to reduce platelet aggregation.

What is the signalment for congenital malformations resulting in seizures?

Dogs less than 6 months old, such as hydrocephalus.

What defines a structural cause of seizures as opposed to idiopathic?

Abnormal signs between seizures.