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In this episode, host Alyssa Watson, DVM, is joined by Theresa E. Pancotto, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Neurology), CCRP, to talk about her recent Clinician’s Brief article, “Traumatic Brain Injury in a Dog.” Dr. Pancotto delivers point after point of useful information for diagnosing TBI, assessing severity, and providing the most effective therapies.
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Key Takeaways
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be primary (direct injury to the brain tissue) and/or secondary (downstream damage from that primary injury).
Decerebrate posture, decerebellate posture, and mentation changes are signs of severe brain injury, whereas head tilts and head turns can signify less severe injury.
The oculocephalic reflex diminishes as intracranial pressure goes up, which is a significant red flag; the Cushing reflex is likely beginning to manifest when blood pressure is 180+ mm Hg and heart rate is 60 bpm or less.
Mannitol and/or hypertonic saline arepreferred for cerebral edema. Corticosteroids are not indicated for acute TBI, but controlling pain is beneficial.
Seizures after TBI are not common; acute seizures can be treated with levetiracetam because it has less sedative effects. Post-traumatic epilepsy can occur up to 2 years after the traumatic event.
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The Team:
Alyssa Watson, DVM - Host
Alexis Ussery - Producer & Multimedia Specialist