Your veterinarian will schedule regular follow-up exams to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment and the dog's state of health. In such instances, a second round of treatment (or long-term treatment) may be required to save the dog's life. For example, in some dogs, symptoms may reappear once treatment is discontinued. With proper treatment and care, symptoms gradually improve within two to eight weeks however, the overall prognosis depends on the underlying cause of the condition. For instance, those suspected of having bacterial infections will be given broad spectrum antibiotics, which can reach the brain and spinal cord. Severe forms of encephalitis require immediate hospitalization and intensive care. Your veterinarian will focus on reducing the severity of the symptoms, such as brain edema and seizures, and halt the progression of the disease. If culture assays are unsuccessful, a brain tissue sample may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis, but this is an expensive procedure. This is necessary for definitive diagnosis and to determine the severity of the problem. Your veterinarian may also collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is then sent to a laboratory for cultures. To confirm lung involvement and related complications, your veterinarian may require chest X-rays, while MRIs and CT-scans are used to evaluate the brain involvement in detail. And abnormal reduction in platelets (small cells used in blood clotting) is a good indicator of thrombocytopenia. Viral infections, meanwhile, may decrease the number of lymphocytes, a type of white cells (also known as lymphopenia). If your dog has an infection, the complete blood count may show an increased number of white blood cells. Your veterinarian may then perform a complete physical examination as well as a biochemistry profile, urinalysis, and complete blood count (the results of which will depend on the underlying cause of the encephalitis). You will need to give your veterinarian a thorough history of your dog’s health, including the onset and nature of the symptoms, and possible incidents that might have precipitated the unusual behaviors or complications. Parasitic infections (e.g., Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis) Viral infections (e.g., canine distemper, rabies, parvovirus)īacterial infections (anaerobic and aerobic)įungal infections (e.g., aspergillosis, histoplasmosis, blastomycosis) Such symptoms include:ĭecreased consciousness, which may worsen as disease progresses German short-haired pointers, Maltese, and Yorkshire terriers are all found to be predisposed to encephalitis.Īlthough symptoms may vary depending on the portion of brain affected, they typically appear suddenly and are rapidly progressive. However, it also may be accompanied by the inflammation of spinal cord ( myelitis), and/or the inflammation of the meninges ( meningitis), membranes which cover the brain and spinal cord. Though opioid drugs tend to be among the most common that affect pupil constriction, other medications may also have an effect on the pupils’ ability to dilate.The term encephalitis refers to an inflammation of the brain. Non-Opioid Drugs That Can Cause Constricted Pupils Illegal forms of opioids or opiates include: During use, opioids tend to stimulate the parasympathetic nerve and cause constricted pupils. Generally, drugs classified as opioids will constrict pupils when the drug is ingested. Generally, stimulants dilate pupils and depressants (like opioids) cause constricted pupils. But substance use and abuse can affect the central nervous system and interfere with the ability of the eyes to react appropriately. Usually surrounding light causes stimulation of the relevant nerve to dilate or constrict the pupils. Pupils that do not dilate or constrict properly can create, or be a symptom of, serious vision problems. Pupil dilation and constriction is an important function that controls the amount of light that enters the eye and allows a person to see properly. When the sympathetic nerve is stimulated, pupils dilate. Normally, when the parasympathetic nerve is activated, it causes pupils to constrict, or narrow. Pupil constriction and dilation are controlled by the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems in the brain. One of the more noticeable, and uncontrollable, ways is dilated or constricted pupils. Physiological changes in the brain can appear in a variety of ways in the rest of the body. On the other hand, depressants generally inhibit brain activity causing drowsiness, lethargy, decreased heart rate, blood pressure, and a sense of calm. For instance, stimulants tend to affect the brain in a way that increases alertness, energy levels, heart rate and blood pressure. How a particular drug affects the body often depends on the type of drug being used.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |