Chapter 21 Diseases of the Nervous System THE FERRET Primary neurologic disease is not common in the ferret. Most symptoms of central nervous system (CNS) disease are the result of concurrent systemic disease processes such as hypoglycemia, cardiac disease, estrogen toxicosis, adrenal disease, or toxin ingestion. Intervertebral disk disease can be seen in the ferret. Intervertebral Disk Disease CLINICAL SIGNS • Ataxia • Posterior paresis • Seizures DIAGNOSIS • Physical and neurologic examination • Laboratory tests to rule in/out systemic diseases Complete blood cell count (CBC)/serum chemistries • Radiography: whole-body +/− myelogram if disk problem • Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) if suspect central lesion in CNS • Spinal tap if infection is ruled out • Electromyogram for peripheral nerve problems TREATMENT • Treat primary disease Seizures • Glucose for hypoglycemia • Intravenous diazepam • Prednisolone if cerebral edema suspected • Oral phenobarbital for long-term management INFORMATION FOR CLIENTS • Nervous system signs are almost always a sign of some systemic disease. That disease must be first diagnosed to treat properly. RODENTS Up to 40% of all gerbils will experience development of seizures after the age of 2 months. This disorder is inherited and is the result of an enzyme deficiency in the brain. Seizures are usually short-lived and leave no permanent damage. Some of these gerbils will have seizures when handled or stressed. Many gerbils will outgrow these seizures. Seizures CLINICAL SIGNS • Development of seizures in a young gerbil, many when being handled DIAGNOSIS • Physical examination and history TREATMENT • No treatment is required. INFORMATION FOR CLIENTS • This defect is inherited. • Many pets will outgrow this behavior. Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Related Related posts: Hematologic and Immunologic Diseases Diseases of the Nervous System Overview of Ferrets, Rodents, and Rabbits Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel Join Tags: Common Diseases of Companion Animals Aug 31, 2016 | Posted by admin in GENERAL | Comments Off on Diseases of the Nervous System Full access? Get Clinical Tree
Chapter 21 Diseases of the Nervous System THE FERRET Primary neurologic disease is not common in the ferret. Most symptoms of central nervous system (CNS) disease are the result of concurrent systemic disease processes such as hypoglycemia, cardiac disease, estrogen toxicosis, adrenal disease, or toxin ingestion. Intervertebral disk disease can be seen in the ferret. Intervertebral Disk Disease CLINICAL SIGNS • Ataxia • Posterior paresis • Seizures DIAGNOSIS • Physical and neurologic examination • Laboratory tests to rule in/out systemic diseases Complete blood cell count (CBC)/serum chemistries • Radiography: whole-body +/− myelogram if disk problem • Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) if suspect central lesion in CNS • Spinal tap if infection is ruled out • Electromyogram for peripheral nerve problems TREATMENT • Treat primary disease Seizures • Glucose for hypoglycemia • Intravenous diazepam • Prednisolone if cerebral edema suspected • Oral phenobarbital for long-term management INFORMATION FOR CLIENTS • Nervous system signs are almost always a sign of some systemic disease. That disease must be first diagnosed to treat properly. RODENTS Up to 40% of all gerbils will experience development of seizures after the age of 2 months. This disorder is inherited and is the result of an enzyme deficiency in the brain. Seizures are usually short-lived and leave no permanent damage. Some of these gerbils will have seizures when handled or stressed. Many gerbils will outgrow these seizures. Seizures CLINICAL SIGNS • Development of seizures in a young gerbil, many when being handled DIAGNOSIS • Physical examination and history TREATMENT • No treatment is required. INFORMATION FOR CLIENTS • This defect is inherited. • Many pets will outgrow this behavior. Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Related Related posts: Hematologic and Immunologic Diseases Diseases of the Nervous System Overview of Ferrets, Rodents, and Rabbits Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel Join Tags: Common Diseases of Companion Animals Aug 31, 2016 | Posted by admin in GENERAL | Comments Off on Diseases of the Nervous System Full access? Get Clinical Tree
