Term
| What are the components of seizure activity? |
|
Definition
-Aura: pre-seizure changes
-Ictus: primary seizure activity
-Post-ictus: changes after sz |
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Term
|
Definition
| -repeating seizure (NOT an etiology) |
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Term
| What are common components of the post-ictal period? |
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Definition
-confusion
-disorientation
-restless
-aggressive
-blinness
-salivation
-PD followed by vomiting
-wandering
0obtunded
pacing |
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Term
| What are the two major classifications of seizures? |
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Definition
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Term
| how long does a grand mal seizure usually last? |
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Definition
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Term
| What is the typical history of a seizure patient? |
|
Definition
-description of sz
-age
-duration of sz
-interictal activity
-hx of febrile illness
-frequency of sz
-current drugs
-related to eating |
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Term
| What does syncope look like? |
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Definition
| -look perfectly normal, suddenly fall completely limp w/ arrhythmia, then back to normal |
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Term
| HOw does syncope differ from episodic weakness? |
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Definition
| -muscle faccidity/collapse w/out loss of consciousness |
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Term
| What are some signs we see on opatho exam that might hint at etiology behind seizure? |
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Definition
-optic neuritis
-chorioretinitis
-ant uveitis |
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Term
| Why do we bother with a neuro exam for seizure cases? |
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Definition
| -to make sure that one does not miss sibtle abnormalities that could point to a thalamic or cortical lesion as the focus for the seizure activity |
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Term
|
Definition
| -cannot find etiology behind epilepsy in a dog less than 6m of age |
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Term
| What is idiopathic epilepsy? AGe range? |
|
Definition
-sz occur at rest or sleeping
-starts w/ one sz episode
-NORMAL NEURO EXAM |
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Term
| What are some common metabolic causes of sz in dogs from 6m to 5y? |
|
Definition
-hypocalcemia
-hypothyroidism
-hyperlipidemia |
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Term
| Which etiologies become more likely to be causing seizures if the dog is >5y? |
|
Definition
-brain neoplasia
-insulinoma
-ASSUMING THAT THIS IS THE TRUE AGE OF ONSET |
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Term
| True or FAlse: There is a similar timing of treatment for every seizure patient. |
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Definition
| -FALSE, seizure tx is individualized for each patient!!! |
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Term
| Which breeds are especially responsive to sz tx? |
|
Definition
|
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Term
| Which breeds are especially known for epilepsy? |
|
Definition
-Shelties
-Border Collies |
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Term
| What are the general guidelines for initiation of seizure therapy? |
|
Definition
-more than one seizure every 4-6w
-more than 1 sz in same day
-animal initially rpesents in status epilepticus
-cluster sz are the trend
-larger breeds treated earlier than smaller breeds |
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Term
| WHat are the major drugs used for canine sz patients? |
|
Definition
-phenobarbital
-K bromide |
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Term
| What are the major drugs used for feline sz patients? |
|
Definition
-diazepam
-lorazepam
-phenobarbital |
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Term
| What are the pros of Phenobarb? Cons? |
|
Definition
-Pros: inexpensive, short half life, easy to alter, pill/elixer, available
-COns: hepatotoxicity, enzyem induction |
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Term
| What are the pros of K Bromide? Cons? |
|
Definition
-Pros: not expensive, capsule/liquid, few interactions, available, NO HEPATOTOXICITY
-Cons: long half life, difficult to alter, bitter taste, vomiting |
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Term
| How is phenobarb metabolized? halflife? steady state? |
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Definition
-liver & induces microsomal enzyme actibity
-half life 50-60hr
-steady state 11-14d |
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Term
| How is bromide metabolized? half life? steady state? |
|
Definition
-excreted by kidney & absorbed quickly bi GI tract
-half life 24d
-steady state 8-12 WEEKS
-high salt diet will lower blood levels |
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Term
| What are the major side effects of phenobarb? |
|
Definition
-PU/PD
-polyphagia
-sedation
-mild ataxia
-liver enzyme elevations |
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Term
| What are the major side effects of Bromide? |
|
Definition
-PU/PD
-polyphagia
-vomiting
-unique hindlimb ataxia
-behavioral changes |
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Term
| When is drug monitoring necessary in sz patients? |
|
Definition
-when steady state is reached
-every 6m during maintenance
-after sz activity
-after change in dosage
-when there are signs of toxicity
-after a loading dose regime |
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Term
| How does estrus relate to sz acitivity? |
|
Definition
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Term
| Is idiopathic epilepsy more common in cats or dogs? |
|
Definition
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Term
| Compare & contrast idiopathic and symptomatic/organic sz in cats. |
|
Definition
-Idiopathic: one sz at time, 6-36m, sz during rest/sleep
-Symptomatic/organic: multiple sz, 2y or older, sz while awake |
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