SEIZURES IN DOGS .1. CLASSIFICATION, SYMP TOMS AND DIAGNOSIS

Seizures may be caused by extracerebral, intracerebral or idiopathic d iseases, which lead to metabolic and/or functional changes of the brai n. Additional neurological deficits including signs of cerebral dysfun ction such as decreased postural reactions or blindness, may be seen. Seizures may be divided clinically in either focal or generalized type s. In the dog the idiopathic epilepsy with Grand-mal seizures is the m ost common cause for seizure disorders. The work-up includes signaleme nt, history, clinical and neurological examination. Ancillary investig ations include analysis of blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid and elect roencephalography. In some patients radiograpy, ultrasound and compute d tomography may be necessary. The results enable the clinician to rul e out or rule in the differential diagnosis and to assess the final di agnosis.