nervous system diseases Flashcards
explain the etiology, clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment of idiopathic epilepsy
etiology:
-repeated episodes of seizures
-per-ictal phase: altered behavior (whining, nervous, shaking, salivating, etc.); sec-hrs
-ictal phase: mild shaking to complete loss of body function; sec-min
-post-ictal phase: confusion, pacing, temporary blindness; sec-min
clinical signs:
-seizures occurring at regular intervals lasting 1-2 min; normal behavior between seizures
diagnosis:
-R/O potential primary cause (trauma, brain injury, etc.)
-CBC and serum chemistry
-radiographs
-CT/MRI
treatment:
-life-long anticonvulsant medication (phenobarbital and potassium bromide)
prognosis: guarded
explain the etiology, clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment of status epilepticus/epilepsy
etiology:
-continual seizures lasting 5-10 minutes
-considered medical emergency
clinical signs:
-prolonged, uninterrupted seizure activity
diagnosis:
-R/O potential primary cause (trauma, brain injury, etc.)
-CBC and serum chemistry
-radiographs
-CT/MRI
treatment:
-medication to stop seizure
-establish airway, provide O2, monitor temp, control cerebral edema (swelling)
-life-long anticonvulsant medication (phenobarbital and potassium bromide)
prognosis:
guarded
explain the etiology, clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment of intervertebral disc disease
etiology:
-compression of disc material between vertebrae=compression of spinal cord and spinal nerves
-usually middle-lower back
clinical signs:
-pain in region of back affected
-possible deficit in sensory/motor responses
-paralysis may develop over time
diagnosis:
-radiographs
-myelogram: radiograph w/ dye area around spinal cord
-CT/MRI (soft tissue visualization)
treatment:
-initial stages might self-resolve
-NSAIDs/ corticosteroids may be given
-restricted exercise/movement
-pain/paralysis= surgery and PT
prognosis: guarded; dependent on extent of damage and early treatment
explain the etiology, clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment of radial nerve paralysis (EQUINE)
etiology:
-trauma in shoulder region= damage to radial nerve, controlling extension of forelimb
clinical signs:
-dragging of affected limb
diagnosis:
-clinical signs
treatment:
-anti-inflammatory medications
-cold hosing of affected limb
-icing of affected limb
prognosis: guarded; long recovery of >6-12 months
explain the etiology, clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment of scapular nerve paralysis/sweeny (EQUINE)
etiology:
-trauma resulting in damage to scapular nerve and muscle atrophy= exposed scapular spine
clinical signs:
-popping motion of shoulder
-exposed scapular spine
diagnosis:
-clinical signs
treatment:
-NSAIDs
-stall rest
prognosis: poor; healing/regeneration rare => loss of function in shoulder
explain the etiology, clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment of degenerative myelopathy
etiology:
-common in german shepherds >5 yr
-slowly progressive, degenerative disease of axons and myelin on sensory/motor tracts in all segments of white matter in spinal cord
-affects thoracic and lumbar vertebrae
clinical signs:
-slow progressive ataxia of hind limbs
-muscle atrophy
diagnosis:
-radiographs: R/O other causes of hind limb weakness
-abnormal proprioception
-CSF biopsy
-histopathology of spinal cord
treatment:
-supportive care
prognosis: poor; progressive disease that usually leads to euthanasia
explain the etiology, clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment of disconspondylitits/ vertebral osteomyelitis
etiology:
-common in larger dogs breeds
-bacteria/fungi infection in vertebral disks/vertebrae (penetrating wound, abscess, sepsis postop)
clinical signs:
-weight loss
-fever
-depression
-exercise intolerance
-spinal pain
-possible ataxia
diagnosis:
-aerobic/anaerobic/fungal cultures in blood, CSF, urine
-radiograph: changes in vertebrae
-brucellosis
treatment:
-long-term ABTs based on C&S results from spinal tap
-pain medication
prognosis: guarded; treatment costly and long-term
explain the etiology, clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment of west nile virus (EQUINE)
etiology:
-caused by flavivirus; found in wild birds
-transmission: mosquitos
clinical signs:
-ataxia (lack of coordination)
-muscle tremors
-paralysis
-depression/behaviors changes
-inappetence
-fever
diagnosis:
-clinical signs; lack of vaccination history
-analysis of CSF for acute infections or serology IgM ELISA for antibodies
treatment:
-supportive care
prognosis: guarded; not all recover
list preventative measures for west nile virus.
-vaccinations
-mosquito prevention: repellents, remove pons/standing water sources
explain the etiology, clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment of rabies
etiology:
-caused by a Lyssavirus
-transmitted through saliva of infected animal, usually a bite
-zoonotic disease
-affects cerebrum, brainstem, and spinal cord
clinical signs:
-aggression/agitation OR depressive symptoms
-spasms
-hypersalivation
-hydrophobia
-paralysis
-loss of consciousness
-early signs similar to WNV
diagnosis:
-necropsy of brain tissue post-euthanasia
-direct fluorescent antibody test: labeled antibody is incubated w/ rabies suspect brain tissue, antibody binds to rabies antigen => antibody-antigen complex w/ fluoresce green
treatment:
-quarantine, vaccination, and observation (required by law)
-will progress to death; euthanasia best option
-post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP): human rabies immune globulin + 3 rabies vaccine doses
prognosis: poor; 100% mortality rate
list preventative measures for rabies
-vaccination (livestock and companion)
-leash laws
-stray dog control
-limit exposure to wildlife
explain the etiology, clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment of tetanus/ lockjaw
etiology:
-caused by toxin released by bacteria (Clostridium tetani)
-present in soil/environment
-enters through puncture wound, surgical incision, umbilicus of newborn
clinical signs:
-stiffness/rigidity
-muscle spasms
-convulsions
-THIRD EYE PROLAPSE
-inability to chew, swallow, breathe
diagnosis:
-clinical signs and vaccination status
treatment:
-supportive care
prognosis: guarded; 50-70% mortality rate
list preventative measures for tetanus/lockjaw
-proper vaccination schedule; booster after wound
