CN Minimodule Quiz: Seizures and Epilepsy

Question 1

(T/F) In dogs with a history of seizures, a careful neurologic examination paying special attention to the tests that assess thalamocortical function is extremely important. Menace response is one of the four key tests that assess thalamocortical function.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

(T/F) Regarding phenobarbital, its efficacy has nothing to do with serum levels

Answer 2

False, It has everything to do with serum levels

Question 3

(T/F) A 10-year-old female spayed French Bulldog presents with a one-day history of generalized epileptic seizures. As you gather the history you see that the dog is circling in the exam room. The most likely diagnosis for a case like this is idiopathic epilepsy.

Answer 3

False, wrong breed, and wrong age along with neurologic signs (circling). This is definitely not idiopathic epilepsy

Question 4

(T/F) Current evidence suggests that levetiracetam (aka Keppra), is as efficacious as phenobarbital as a first-line antiepileptic drug in canine idiopathic epilepsy (IE).

Answer 4

False, Levetiracetam is a good antiepileptic drug but its efficacy is inferior compared to phenobarbital in IE (60% vs 83%). it is very safe and can be used in some patients, but in more severe epileptic dogs is not a good choice as a first-line medication