Читать книгу Animal Behavior for Shelter Veterinarians and Staff - Группа авторов - Страница 115

Generalized seizures in dogs and cats are characterized by the animal falling into a laterally recumbent position with limbs rigid and paddling. They may or may not evacuate their bladder or bowels, they may vocalize, and they will usually fail to respond if spoken to or touched. Focal seizures, however, are involuntary movements that may be localized to a single limb or part of the face. The animal experiencing a focal seizure may be somewhat responsive to other stimuli, but an aura and pre‐ and postictal phases may be present. These types of seizures can result in unusual behavioral presentations and can be difficult to diagnose.

Focal seizures may be divided into motor and sensory‐type seizures. While motor seizures involve involuntary movement of one part of the body, sensory focal seizures may result in abnormal sensations such as tingling, pain, or visual hallucinations. Fly‐biting or fly‐snapping behaviors in some dogs may occur as a result of focal seizures with visual hallucinations. However, evidence linking these and similar behaviors to gastrointestinal distress confirms the possibility of multiple etiologies that can be associated with this non‐specific behavioral sign (Frank 2012; Mills et al. 2020). Complex focal seizures (formerly known as psychomotor seizures) are focal seizures with alterations in awareness. Affected dogs may exhibit repetitive motor activities such as head pressing, vocalizing, or aimless walking or running (Berendt and Gram 1999). In some cases, complex focal seizures manifest as impaired consciousness and bizarre behavior, such as unprovoked aggression or extreme, irrational fear (Dodman et al. 1992, 1996).

Seizures are just one type of involuntary movement disorder in dogs and cats. Other forms of involuntary movements can occur and will need to be differentiated from seizures and primary behavioral disorders. Movements seen during periods of inactivity can be confirmed as movement disorders rather than behavioral disorders. However, involuntary movement disorders such as those associated with cerebellar diseases will occur during periods of activity. Some metabolic diseases and peripheral nervous system and musculoskeletal disorders may also result in involuntary movements. Involuntary movements limited to facial or head movements are likely to be caused by a seizure disorder.