Presented by Neil S. Mittelman, DVM, DACVIM (LAIM, Neurology)
Seizures are a common neurological disorder in veterinary patients. A wide variety of clinical signs occur with both short and long-term consequences. Seizures affect quality of life for owners and veterinary patients alike. The decision to treat with medications often involves balancing severity of signs with side effects of those medications. There are many disorders that can mimic seizure activity including various movement disorders, vestibular dysfunction, sleep disorders, and even cardiac disease. Recognizing common patterns and subtle differences in the nature of the episodes, recovery period or lack thereof, species differences, and other associated historical and clinical signs may aid in knowing when and what treatment is needed. This video-based lecture will focus on recognizing seizures and imposters, conditions that can look like seizures in dogs and cats. Basic pathophysiology, diagnostic recommendations, prognosis, and treatment will be discussed within a clinical focus.
Objectives:
• Know broad categories of common causes of seizures
• Know common medications used to treat seizures
• Know common anticonvulsants to avoid in cats
• Be familiar with the term movement disorder/paroxysmal dyskinesia
• Know common causes for tremors in dogs
• Be familiar with the term idiopathic head tremor