Neurology

Neurology Overview

  • Examines the anatomy and function of the nervous system.

Problem Based Medical Diagnosis: DAMN IT VP Acronym

  • D - Degenerative

  • A - Allergic, Anomalous

  • M - Metabolic (Malformation)

  • N - Neoplasia (Nutritional)

  • I - Infection, Inflammation, Immune-mediated, Iatrogenic/Idiopathic

  • T - Trauma, Toxicity

  • V - Vascular

  • P - Parasitic

Brain vs Spinal Cord

  • CNS (Central Nervous System) vs PNS (Peripheral Nervous System)

  • Review of neuronal anatomy, including:

    • Sciatic nerve

    • Tibial nerve

    • Femoral nerve

    • Spinal cord

    • Cerebellum

    • Median nerve

    • Ulnar nerve

    • Radial nerve

    • Cerebral hemisphere

    • Brain stem

Common Neurological Conditions

Epilepsy

  • Characterized by repeated episodes of seizures:

    • Most commonly affects purebred dogs (e.g., German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Spaniels, Setters, Poodles, Beagles).

    • Cause is often unknown; may be genetic.

    • Usually manifests between ages 1-3.

  • Clinical Signs:

    • Variation in seizure severity. May occur randomly or have triggers (food, excitement, play).

    • Normal behavior observed between seizures.

  • Diagnosis:

    • Rule out other causes.

  • Treatment:

    • Use of Phenobarbital.

    • Info for Owners:

      • Lifetime condition; can manage seizures to help dogs lead normal lives.

      • Status epilepticus: Continuous seizures (>5 minutes) - a medical emergency.

      • Cluster seizures: Multiple seizures in a short time.

Vestibular Disease

  • An acute disorder mainly seen in older dogs and cats.

    • Also known as "Old Dog Vestibular Disease."

  • Clinical Signs:

    • Loss of balance, head tilt, nystagmus, nausea, vomiting.

  • Diagnosis:

    • Based on clinical signs and physical examination; rule out other causes.

  • Treatment:

    • Supportive care, anti-nausea, and antiemetic medications.

    • Typically self-limiting, with recovery in 3-6 weeks.

Neoplasia (Brain Tumors)

  • Older animals are more prone to brain tumors, exhibiting progressive symptoms based on tumor location.

  • Clinical Signs:

    • Variable symptoms including behavior changes and seizures.

  • Diagnosis:

    • CT or MRI scans.

  • Treatment:

    • Supportive care, radiation, or tomotherapy.

Trauma

  • Common in veterinary medicine (e.g., motor vehicle accidents, falls).

  • Clinical Signs:

    • Varies with the location of damage and degree of swelling.

  • Treatment:

    • Stabilize the patient and reassess periodically.

Spinal Cord Conditions

Degenerative Problems

  • Includes Spondylosis and IVDD (Intervertebral Disk Disease).

Infection/Inflammation

  • Example: Discospondylitis.

Malformation

  • Example: Spondylomyelopathy.

Trauma

  • Luxation/Subluxation.

Vascular Issues

  • Example: Fibrocartilaginous Embolism.

  • Symptoms:

    • Vary from pain to motor function loss, potentially deep pain loss.

Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD)

  • Degenerative, inflammatory, or traumatic.

  • Clinical Signs:

    • Acute vs. Chronic back pain, paresis, paralysis, and pain perception loss.

  • Diagnosis:

    • Based on clinical signs and imaging (radiographs, CT/MRI).

  • Treatment:

    • Urgent surgical intervention if there is loss of deep pain perception.

Malformation: Wobbler Syndrome

  • Affects Great Danes and Dobermans due to cervical vertebrae malformation.

  • Clinical Signs:

    • Progressive hind limb ataxia in young dogs.

  • Diagnosis:

    • Imaging (radiographs, CT).

Degenerative and Vascular Issues

Degenerative Myelopathy

  • Primarily in older German Shepherds with diffuse spinal cord degeneration.

  • Symptoms:

    • Progressive ataxia, hind limb paresis, muscle atrophy.

Ischemic Myelopathy

  • Generally seen in large breed dogs, marked by acute spinal pain and neurological symptoms.

  • Diagnosed via imaging, revealing swelling without vertebral abnormalities.

Peripheral Nervous System Disorders

Deafness

  • Can result from neurologic components or genetic predispositions (common in white cats).

  • Toxic causes include certain antibiotics.

Metabolic Neuropathy

  • Results in paresis or paralysis due to endocrine disorders such as diabetes, hyperadrenocorticism, or hypothyroidism.

  • Symptoms often reversible once the underlying disease is treated.

Megaesophagus

  • Neuro deficiency leading to esophageal peristalsis impairment, causing chronic regurgitation.

Laryngeal Paralysis

  • May cause voice loss and respiratory distress. Typical treatment involves surgery.

  • Important to consider rabies in unvaccinated animals showing symptoms.

Tick Paralysis

  • Caused by neurotoxin in tick saliva, leading to ascending motor paralysis. Potential for respiratory failure.

Coonhound Paralysis

  • An immune-mediated disorder causing motor neuron demyelination.

  • Also presents with flaccid, ascending motor paralysis.

Large Animal Neurological Issues

  • Common Conditions in Horses:

    • Wobbler syndrome, infectious diseases (e.g., rabies).

  • In Sheep/Goats:

    • Example: Polioencephalomalacia due to infectious diseases.