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18 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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What is a seizure? |
Disorganised brain activity with overstimulation of the CNS causing random involuntary muscle spasms. |
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What are some causes of seizures? |
Toxins, brains trauma, tumours, epilepsy, hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, meningitis. |
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What is idiopathic epilepsy? |
Has an unknown cause. Potentially genetic. First fit occurs between 1 and 3 years of age. Requires life long treatment using neuron suppressing drugs. |
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What are the 3 stages of seizures? |
Pre ictal, ictus and post ictal |
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What happens in the preictal stage of a seizure? |
Just before a seizure, a change in behaviour is seen. |
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What happens in ictus? |
The seizure itself, can be partial, generalise, cluster or status epilepticus. |
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What happens post ictus? |
After a seizure, animals may be restless, polydipsic and disorientated. |
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What is a partial seizure? |
Only part of the brain is affected so only part of the body may react -- muscle twitch, howling, hypersalavation. |
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What is a generlised seizure? |
The whole brain and body if affected. Can be clonic (just jerking) or tonic-clonic (period of stiffening and then jerking) |
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What is a cluster seizure? |
Where multiple seizures occur in 24 hours. |
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What is status epilepticus? |
Where a seizure is continuous for more than 5 minutes, or seizure repeats in less than 1/2 an hour. EMERGENCY |
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What should owners record if they see their pet seizuring? |
When it occurs and how long it lasts -- see if there is a pattern to when it happens. |
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If possible what should owners be asked to do on their smart phone? |
Film the seizure to show to the vet. |
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What should owners do for an animal that is seizuring? |
Watch from a safe distance, ensure they can't hurt themselves, move danger away, darken and quieten room. |
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What should owners do after their pet has stopped seizuring? |
reassure the animal, let them come to you, offer food and water. |
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What questions might be asked if a status epilepticus case if bought in? |
Had it seizured before? Has it eaten something toxis? Has it had a trauma? What meds is it on? Behavioural changed? |
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What care is required for status epilepticus? |
TPR constantly, frequent neuro exams, dark quiet spacious padded kennel. IV access needed. monitor blood glucose. Vet may sedate or anaesthetise. O2 therapy. |
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What long term effects might be involved with seizuring? |
Owner commitment to meds that may cause pet drowsiness, PUPD, polyphagia and ataxia. May see behavioural changes. |
