Simon R. Platt, DVM, BVM&S, MRCVS, DACVIM (neurology), DECVN

Generally, the underlying causes of neurological abnormalities of the head and face are similar whichever nerve (or nucleus) is affected, but, in addition, there are a few conditions that are specific to, or more commonly affect, certain nerves.

The hallmark of CNS inflammation is infiltration of peripheral blood leukocytes into the neuroparenchyma and its coverings, resulting in various types of encephalitis and/or meningitis, and sometimes associated with altered vascular integrity that leads to edema.

Seizures are a common problem in veterinary medicine. Control of canine epilepsy is only possible in up to 70 80 % of cases on phenobarbitone (PB).

Status epilepticus is a danger to the patient and a treatment challenge for the clinician. Although no evidence exists to indicate that early initiation of appropriate treatment improves the outcome in dogs with seizures, such evidence does exist for human medicine and remains an important basic tenet of treatment.

The vestibular system is essential in maintaining balance and preventing the animal falling over by keeping and adapting the position of the eyes, head and body with respect to gravity.

The overall aim when approaching neurological problems is essentially the same as with any clinical problem.