ANSWERS

1. By what other names might a seizure be known?
   • Convulsion.
   • Ictus.
   • Fit.
2. Describe the clinical signs that may occur during a seizure.
   • Generalised, spasmodic, involuntary contractions of the body and limbs, alternating with relaxation.
   • Loss of consciousness.
   • Aggression.
   • Salivation/drooling.
   • Collapse.
   • Glazed expression.
   • Lack of response to stimuli.
3. What is the name given to a series of rapid epileptic spasms that occur without periods of consciousness that may last for many hours.
   Status epilepticus.
4. What is the name of the drug that may be used to sedate animals suffering from status epilepticus?
   Sagatal.
5. What is meant by idiopathic epilepsy?
   Epilepsy of unknown cause.
6. What breed of dog is most commonly affected by seizures occurring as a result of a brain tumour?
   Boxer.
7. What is syncope?
   A fainting episode.
8. Seizures may arise as a result of inflammation to the brain. Can you state 2 examples of bacterial infections that may cause such seizures?
   • Bacterial meningitis.
   • Abscess.
9. Give 3 examples of viral infections that may cause inflammation to the brain resulting in seizures.
   • Viral meningitis.
   • Canine distemper.
   • Rabies.
   • Feline panleucopenia.
   • FIP.
   • FeLV.
10. What is the name of the condition characterised by an accumulation of CSF in the cranium that may cause seizures?
    Hydrocephalus.
11. Give 2 examples of dog breeds predisposed to hydrocephalus.
    • Chihuahua.
    • Pomeranian.
12. List 5 toxins that may cause seizures.
    • Ethylene glycol.
    • Arsenic.
    • Metaldehyde.
    • Alphachoralose.
    • Strychnine.
13. What is the name of the condition in which blood calcium is too low that may cause seizures?
    Hypocalcaemia.
14. What is the name of the condition in which blood glucose is too low that may cause seizures?
    Hypoglycaemia.
15. What is the name of the period prior to a fit?
    The aura.
16. List 6 signs that may occur during the aura.
    • Restlessness.
    • Staring expression.
    • Salivation.
    • Licking of the lips.
    • Muscle twitching.
    • Hyperaesthesia.
17. What may occur during the clonic phase of a fit?
    • Purposeless running movements of the limbs.
    • Voiding of urine and faeces.
18. During which phase of a fit would hyperextension of the limbs and body occur?
    The tonic phase.
19. How long is the post ictal phase of a fit?
    This is of variable duration and may last from 30 seconds up to an hour.
20. A client telephones the surgery in a panic. Her boxer is fitting and she wants to bring him to the surgery immediately. Why would you advise against this, and what advice would you recommend?
    • Unless the animal is in status epilepticus the best first aid is to allow the fit to pass naturally.
    • Advise that trying to handle the dog during the fit may result in the owner being bitten.
    • Advise that the owner move any objects that may prove injurious away from the dog.
    • Suggest that she draw the curtains and switch off the television/radio. A calm, quiet environment must be provided.
    • Advise that although a fit is very frightening for an owner to witness, it will pass, and it is better for all concerned if she tries to remain calm.
    • Recommend that a note is taken of the date, time and duration of the fit.
    • Allow adequate time to recover before bringing the dog to the surgery.
    • Stimulation during a journey may provoke further fits.
    • If this is a first fit, and the dog is not known to be epileptic, advise that the owner check the house and garden for potential toxins.
21. List 4 drugs that may be used to help to control epilepsy.
    • Epiphen (phenobarbitone).
    • Mysoline.
    • Diazepam (valium).
    • Genetrix (potassium bromide).
22. What is the name given to a short-duration fit that may only manifest itself as muscle tremors?
    Petit mal fit.