Читать книгу Animal Behavior for Shelter Veterinarians and Staff - Группа авторов - Страница 111

A variety of different neurological disorders have the capability of affecting behavior in a variety of different ways. While many neurological disorders are steadily progressive and, thus, will eventually present additional non‐behavioral signs, in many cases, behavioral changes will precede the appearance of other more severe neurological signs by weeks or even months. Storage diseases, neoplasia, inflammatory conditions, degenerative conditions, toxicosis, malformations, ischemia, and infections can all lead to changes in behavior.

The location of a brain lesion will dictate the associated behavior changes. The limbic system, whose structures lie deep within the brain, functions to control memory, emotions, and basic drives such as sexual activity, anxiety, and feelings of pleasure. Damage to the limbic system can result in personality changes, including increases in fearfulness and aggressive behavior. In other cases, seizures may result. The forebrain, including the prefrontal area, is the part of the brain associated with cognitive behavior, motor planning, thought, and perception. Forebrain lesions can lead to changes in temperament, loss of previously learned behaviors, and failure to recognize or respond appropriately to environmental stimuli. Lesions of the brain stem or forebrain may lead to changes in awareness or consciousness and mentation. Animals with brain stem lesions may demonstrate altered responses to stimuli, dullness, and stupor and may become comatose (Lorenz et al. 2011).