Phenobarbital lowers serum levetiracetam concentrations

This was a prospective pharmacokinetic study that evaluated the effects of chronic administration of phenobarbital, bromide, or the combination on serum concentrations of levetiracetam (LEV; Keppra) in epileptic dogs.

Explode the hand

When performing the menace response test, be careful not to touch the vibrissae or create a wind current that would lead to a false positive result. Click on post title to read more about how to better perform the menace response test.

Journal club: Transdermal phenobarbital in cats

This was a prospective clinical study to determine serum phenobarbital concentration after transdermal application.

COTM: Painful & ataxic Cavalier

The patient was referred for progressive neurologic signs. He started scratching his abdomen about 3 weeks prior to referral. There was no response to a course of oral cefpodoxime and topical antibiotic spray. He was taken to the ER department of another local specialty hospital 5 days later for suspected pain and inappetance.

Quiz: Menace response

What portions of the central nervous system are being tested when performing the menace response test?

A new meaning for downward facing dog!

Stainless steel tables & cages are great because they are easily cleaned, but they are cold and slippery. Consider using yoga mats on your exam tables and in cages. Click on post title to read more.

Term: Internal capsule

The internal capsule is a white matter band of afferent and efferent nerve fibers ...

Always check the down leg!

In some cases, it can be difficult to elicit a patellar reflex in the "up" leg of a patient that should otherwise have an intact reflex. Read more to find out why the "down" leg should always be tested.

Term: Diffuse axonal injury

Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is a form of widespread injury to the white matter of the brain...

COTM: Acutely blind Sphinx cat

The cat was referred to the Neurology Department for additional evaluation by a local veterinary ophthalmologist. The owners noticed that the cat had dilated pupils, was bumping into objects and seemed "off."

Term: Myelomalacia

Myelomalacia literally means "soft spinal cord." It is used most commonly in veterinary medicine as part of a pathological processed called ascending-descending myelomalacia (a.k.a., hemorrhagic myelomalacia).

Cerebellar hypoplasia