How Owners of Epileptic Dogs Living in Italy Evaluate Their Quality of Life and That of Their Pet: A Survey Study.

Marisa Masucci,Valeria Di Stefano,Massimo De Majo,Cyndi Mangano,Giulia Donato

doi:10.3390/vetsci8080140

Marisa Masucci, Valeria Di Stefano + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8080140

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Journal: Veterinary sciences	Publication Date: Jul 23, 2021
Citations: 2	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of Messina

Abstract

Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disorder of dogs and requires a substantial commitment by the pet owner. The aim of this study was to evaluate how Italian owners of epileptic dogs receiving long-term treatment perceived their own quality of life (QoL) and that of their pet, using a list of key questions. A questionnaire was sent to owners of dogs affected by recurrent seizures and treated with antiepileptic drugs for at least three months. The questions included signalment, medical history and physical, social and psychological aspects associated with managing an epileptic dog. Eighty complete questionnaires were obtained. Most owners surveyed had a positive opinion on their dog’s QoL and they did not believe that commitment to managing their animals was a limitation of QoL. Dog QoL, seizure, frequency and severity were considered the most important factors in evaluating the efficacy of the antiepileptic treatment. The evaluation of the different aspects of QoL can help veterinary professionals understand the need for correct and exhaustive information provided to owners and the development of therapeutic plans and follow up, corresponding to the needs of dogs and owners.

Highlights

IntroductionEpilepsy is one of the most common chronic neurological conditions in dogs
Eighty complete questionnaires were obtained from owners of as many epileptic dogs
Most of the animals received phenobarbital (91%); 72.5% were treated with antiepileptic drugs (AED) as mono-therapy and 27.5% received a multi-drug treatment (Table 3)

Summary

Introduction

Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic neurological conditions in dogs. Caring for an epileptic dog can be a source of stress and frustration. The administration of antiepileptic drugs (AED) requires perseverance and commitment, can be associated with side effects and requires regular veterinary checks [3,4]. Treatment is unlikely to lead to complete remission of seizures and in the case of occurrence of status epilepticus the owner must administer additional emergency AED at home and/or urgently take the dog to the vet [3,4,5]. Managing an epileptic animal can be demanding in terms of responsibility and financial commitment and can have a strong emotional impact on owners, due to the paroxysmal manifestations of the disease and the recurrent and unpredictable nature of the seizures. The QoL of both (dogs and owners) is often a key element in evaluating therapeutic success and deciding whether to continue treating the dog or to perform euthanasia [3,6,11]

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