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Pet Owner Version

Principles of Therapy of the Nervous System in Horses

By

Thomas Schubert

, DVM, DACVIM, DABVP, Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida

Last review/revision May 2019 | Modified Oct 2022

Once a diagnosis is made, appropriate therapy can be considered. There are several groups of drugs that are used to treat disorders of the nervous system. Drugs used to treat epileptic seizures are known as anticonvulsants. Anti-inflammatory medications, including corticosteroids, are used to reduce swelling and inflammation in many types of injuries. These medications may be given intravenously in some cases (such as spinal cord injury) and by mouth in others. Other medications may be needed to relieve muscle spasms caused by neurologic disorders or to treat infections of the nervous system.

After head surgery, and in animals with brain tumors or head injuries, there is a risk of swelling caused by an accumulation of fluid in the brain. Mannitol or corticosteroid medications can be given intravenously to reduce the swelling. (For a more detailed discussion, see Drugs Used to Treat Brain, Spinal Cord, and Nerve Disorders Drugs Used to Treat Brain, Spinal Cord, and Nerve Disorders There are several categories of drugs used to treat disorders of the nervous system: anticonvulsants; tranquilizers, sedatives, and analgesics; and psychotropic agents. Anticonvulsant drugs... read more .)

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