Seizures in young dogs and cats: Pathophysiology and diagnosis

Abstract

Seizures in young dogs and cats have received little attention because of the ambiguous clinical nature of seizures. In human medicine, certain aspects of brain development are now thought to have a role in childhood seizures. Epileptogenesis (i.e., generation of seizures) in an immature brain is influenced by inhibitory and excitatory systems, ionic microenvironment, and degree of myelination. Developing neurons appear to be less vulnerable to damage and loss after seizure activity. Dogs and cats younger than I year of age are more likely to have symptomatic epilepsy. Early recognition of potential causes of seizures in young dogs and cats is important for appropriate diagnostic considerations and timely therapeutic interventions.