Nervous

Question 1

What is the aetiology of wobblers syndrome?

Answer 1

complex
May have a genetic component (particular breeds: great dance, Doberman)
Nutrition may play a role (protein)

Question 2

What is the pathophysiology of wobblers syndrome?

Answer 2

narrowing of the cervical vertebral canal due to developmental abnormalities of vertebrae (young dogs)
Degenerative changes can occur in older dogs that lead to canal narrowing. Narrowed canal impinges upon the spinal cord causing compression and the resulting neurological deficit.

Question 3

What are the clinical signs of wobbler syndrome?

Answer 3

• Pelvic limbs weak, may scruff nails
• In co-ordinated gait  ataxia
• Can lead to paralysis
• Look wobbly
• Neck pain

Question 4

How is wobblers syndrome diagnosed?

Answer 4

history and clinical signs may lead to supsion particulary in affect large breeds.
Physical examination, full neurological exam
Radiography, myelography
CSF analysis
MRI – is diagnostic

Question 5

What is the aetiology of epilepsy?

Answer 5

neurological condition arising from disruption of forebrain function.
Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common. Cause unknown, but may be a genetic link in breeds including border collies, labs and hungarin visla.

Question 6

What is the pathophysiology of epilepsy?

Answer 6

Disordered electrical activity of the brain cells – imbalance in excitatory and inhibitory signals. Can be partial or generalised.
Generalised – dogs, affects full brain meaning full body seizures
Partial – cats, only affects one part of the brain so tends to only affect one part of the body.
3 phases: Pre-ictal, Ictal, Post-Ictal
Prolonged seizures (more than 5 minutes) = Status epilepticus

Question 7

What are the clinical signs associated with epilepsy?

Answer 7

Pre-ictal: Period prior to seizures 
-	Feels uneasy
-	Altered behaviour pattern 
-	Anxious 
-	Restless
Ictal: Generalised seizure 
-	Episode of fitting 
-	Vocalisation 
-	Collapse and unconsciousness 
-	Incontinence 
-	Chronic paddling spasms or tonic spasms 
-	Spasms of jaw muscles 
Post- ictal: Recovery period, may last several hours 
-	Extreme tiredness
-	Hunger
-	Ataxia 
-	Dazed
-	Compulsive walking

Question 8

How is epilepsy diagnosed?

Answer 8

history and clinical signs 
Physical examination, neurological exam
Blood testing – infection, toxicity, glucose, uraemia 
MRI and/or CT
CSF tap