Neurological & Neoplasia Conditions Flashcards
What are causes of intracranial seizures?
Within brain
Tumours
Trauma
Infection
Heatstroke
Idiopathic epilepsy
What are causes of extracranial seizures?
Elsewhere in body
Anaemia
Poisoning
Medications
Hypoxia
Hypoglycaemia
Epilepsy aetiology?
Idiopathic is most common
Genetic link is suspected
Neurological condition arising from disruption of forebrain function
Epilepsy pathophysiology?
Disordered electrical activity of the brain cells, imbalance in excitatory and inhibitory signals
What are the 3 phases of an epilepsy seizure?
Pre-ictal
Ictal
Post-ictal
What is prolonged seizure?
More than 5 mins
Status epilepticus
Pre-ictal epilepsy seizure clinical signs?
Uneasy feeling
Altered behaviour pattern
Anxious
Restlessness
Ictal epilepsy seizure clinical signs?
Collapse
Unconsciousness
Action varies to each individual
Clonic paddling spasms
Tonic spasms
Post-ictal epilepsy seizure clinical signs?
Extreme tiredness
Hunger
Ataxia
Compulsive walking
Dazed
How can epilepsy be diagnosed?
History and clinical signs
Physical and neurological examination
Blood testing
(Infection, toxicity, glucose, uraemia)
MRI and or CT
(MRI produces more detailed image)
Wobblers syndrome aetiology?
Complex, primarily genetic component
Nutritional factors may play a role (excess protein)
Malformation of cervical vertebrae leading to spinal compression
Wobblers syndrome pathophysiology?
-Compression of cord due to malformed vertebrae
-Narrowing of cervical vertebrae canal due to development abnormalities of vertebrae
-Degenerative changes can occur in older dogs leading to narrowing of the canal
-Narrowed canal impinges upon spinal cord causing compression
Wobblers syndrome clinical signs?
All 4 pelvic limbs weak
More pronounced in hind limbs
May scuff nails
Uncoordinated gait
Neck pain
May lead to paralysis
Wobblers syndrome diagnosis?
History and clinical signs
Full neurological examination
(Where about the spinal cord has been affected)
Radiography and myelography
CSF analysis
(Rule out other conditions)
MRI is diagnostic as shows the narrowing of cord
Mast Cell tumour aetiology?
Certain breeds are predisposed
Neoplasia affecting the histiocytes )mash cells)
Mast cell tumour pathophysiology?
Mast cells undergo malignant transformation, behaviour varies between grades
Degradation of mast cells in the tumour can lead to systemic signs
Where are mast cell tumours commonly found?
GI tract
Spleen
Bone Marrow
Mast cell tumour clinical signs?
-Appearance is varied
-Usually found in skin surface
-Can occur in subcutaneous layer
-Benign or low grade, may be small and slow growing mass in the skin
-Higher grade tumours associated with swelling, inflammation and ulceration
Mast cell tumours diagnosis?
Fine needle aspirate confirms diagnosis
Biopsy can be used to assess grade of tumour
Evaluation of local lymph nodes to assist with grading
Imaging to detect mets by either radiograph or CT or MRI
Difference between excisional and incisional biopsy?
Ex takes whole mass away
In takes part of mass
Osteosarcoma aetiology?
Primarily malignant neoplasm of bone
Large mid to old age dogs most commonly affected
Osteosarcoma pathophysiology?
Osteocytes undergo malignant transformation leading to formation of swelling or bony growth and destruction of bone architecture
Damage to bone tissue may lead to waking of bone and pathological fracture
Where is osteosarcoma commonly found?
Metaphysis of long bones
Commonly metastatic spread occurs to the lungs
Osteosarcoma clinical signs?
Lameness
Swelling of site
Pathological fracture
Coughing
Osteosarcoma diagnosis?
Radiography, image bone and evaluates the lung fields
CT or MRI ^^
Biopsy can be used as definitive diagnosis
