Seizures In Dogs Research Articles

Effect of radiotherapy on freedom from seizures in dogs with brain tumors.

BackgroundSeizures are a common presenting sign in dogs with brain tumors.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo investigate the effect of radiotherapy on freedom from brain tumor‐associated seizures and survival time in dogs.AnimalsThirty‐two client‐owned dogs with brain tumor‐associated seizures; 18 received medical treatment and radiotherapy, 14 received medical treatment alone.MethodsMulticenter retrospective study. Baseline characteristics (seizure semiology, magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] characteristics, and treatment) and duration of seizure freedom were recorded for the 2 treatment groups. Duration of seizure freedom between groups was compared (log‐rank test) using Cox's proportional hazard analysis, with baseline characteristics entered as covariates.ResultsThe duration of seizure freedom and survival time were significantly longer in the radiotherapy group (P < .001), with a mean of 24 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 14.3‐33.8) versus 1.7 months in the control group (95% CI, 0.5‐2.9) and a mean of 34.6 months (95% CI: 25.2‐44.1) versus 6.2 months in the control group (95% CI, 2.6‐9.7) respectively. Baseline characteristics were not associated with duration of seizure freedom after the start of treatment. In the radiotherapy group, 5 dogs were euthanized during the study period because of causes other than seizures. In the control group, recurrence of seizures was observed before death in all dogs.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceA longer period of seizure freedom and longer survival time was observed in dogs with brain tumors after radiotherapy compared to medical treatment only. The pathophysiological mechanisms of epileptogenesis and the effect of radiation therapy on seizure control are unclear to date. Further prospective studies are needed.

Postencephalitic epilepsy in dogs with meningoencephalitis of unknown origin: Clinical features, risk factors, and long-term outcome.

BackgroundAlthough the presence of seizures in dogs with meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO) has been associated with shorter survival times, data regarding the prevalence and risk factors for postencephalitic epilepsy (PEE) is lacking.ObjectivesTo describe the clinical features, prevalence, risk factors, and long‐term outcome of PEE in dogs with MUO.AnimalsSixty‐one dogs with presumptive diagnosis of MUO based on the clinicopathological and diagnostic imaging findings.MethodsRetrospective study. Cases were identified by search of hospital medical records for dogs with suspected or confirmed MUO. Medical records of dogs meeting inclusion criteria were reviewed. Signalment, seizure history, clinicopathologic, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were recorded.ResultsAmong 61 dogs at risk of PEE, 14 (23%) dogs developed PEE. Three of 14 dogs with PEE (21%) developed drug‐resistant epilepsy. Dogs with PEE were younger (P = .03; ORadjusted = 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.58‐0.98) and had significantly shorter survival times (log‐rank test P = .04) when compared to dogs that did not develop epilepsy. The risk factors associated with the development of PEE were the presence of acute symptomatic seizures (ASS; P = .04; ORadjusted = 4.76; 95% CI, 1.11‐20.4) and MRI lesions in the hippocampus (P = .04; ORadjusted = 4.75; 95% CI, 1.07‐21.0).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceDogs with MUO and seizures at the early stage of the disease (ASS) seem to be at a higher risk of developing PEE.

Comparison of Serum Trace Nutrient Concentrations in Epileptics Compared to Healthy Dogs.

Idiopathic epilepsy (IE) is a common cause of seizures in dogs. There are several investigations regarding serum concentrations of trace nutrients, including copper, selenium, zinc, manganese, and iron in human epileptics and animal models. However, research of this nature in dogs with epilepsy is lacking. The purpose of this prospective study was to compare serum concentrations of several trace nutrients in healthy dogs to dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. Healthy client-owned dogs (n = 50) and dogs with IE (n = 92) were enrolled and blood samples were collected for trace nutrient analysis. Epileptics were subdivided into three groups: controlled: n = 27, uncontrolled: n = 42, and untreated: n = 23. Serum was evaluated for concentrations of copper, selenium, zinc, cobalt, manganese, molybdenum, and iron using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. Uncontrolled epileptics had significantly higher manganese concentrations compared to normal dogs (p = 0.007). Untreated epileptics had higher iron levels than the other three groups (p = 0.04). Significantly higher levels of copper (p < 0.0001) were found in controlled and uncontrolled epileptics compared to normal or untreated dogs. Significantly higher levels of molybdenum (p = 0.01) were found in controlled epileptics compared to normal or untreated epileptics. Uncontrolled and controlled epileptics had significantly higher levels of selenium (p = 0.0003) vs. normal dogs, and uncontrolled epileptics had higher levels of zinc (p = 0.0002) than normal and untreated dogs. The significant difference in serum concentrations of several trace nutrients (manganese, selenium, and zinc) may suggest a role for these nutrients in the pathophysiology and/or treatment of epilepsy. Additionally, these results suggest that anti-convulsant therapy may affect copper and molybdenum metabolism.

Associations between neutering and idiopathic epilepsy in Labrador retrievers and Border collies under primary veterinary care in the UK

There are sparse published scientific data on associations between neutering and the severity and survival of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. This study aimed to explore the timing of neutering with respect to onset of seizures in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. Associations between neutering and both age of onset of seizures and the occurrence of cluster seizures or status epilepticus were examined. Survival analysis investigated the effects of sex-neuter categories. The median survival time of Border collies was compared with data previously reported in literature.The study included veterinary primary-care clinical data on 117 Labrador retrievers and 57 Border collies diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy from the VetCompass project in the UK. The majority (74.2%; P≤0.001) of neutered cases were neutered before the onset of seizures. Age (years) at onset of seizures did not differ between dogs intact at time of onset and dogs neutered before onset of seizures (males 3.6 vs. 3.7; P=0.468 and females 3.4 vs. 4.1; P=0.154). Neuter status was not associated with the occurrence of cluster seizures (males P=0.947 and females P=0.844). Dogs intact at onset of seizures had longer median survival times than dogs neutered before onset of seizures (males, 1436 days vs. 1234 days; P=0.019; females, 1778.5 days vs. 1261 days; P=0.027). Median survival time of 1393 days for Border collies was longer than previously reported (P≤0.001). These results do not support recommendations to neuter dogs with idiopathic epilepsy within an evidence-based treatment plan.

Prevalence of electrographic seizure in dogs and cats undergoing electroencephalography and clinical characteristics and outcome for dogs and cats with and without electrographic seizure: 104 cases (2009-2015).

To determine the prevalence of electrographic seizure (ES) and electrographic status epilepticus (ESE) in dogs and cats that underwent electroencephalography (EEG) because of suspected seizure activity and to characterize the clinical characteristics, risk factors, and in-hospital mortality rates for dogs and cats with ES or ESE. Retrospective case series. 89 dogs and 15 cats. Medical records of dogs and cats that underwent EEG at a veterinary neurology service between May 2009 and April 2015 were reviewed. Electrographic seizure was defined as ictal discharges that evolved in frequency, duration, or morphology and lasted at least 10 seconds, and ESE was defined as ES that lasted ≥ 10 minutes. Patient signalment and history, physical and neurologic examination findings, diagnostic test results, and outcome were compared between patients with and without ES or ESE. Among the 104 patients, ES and ESE were diagnosed in 21 (20%) and 12 (12%), respectively. Seventeen (81%) patients with ES had no or only subtle signs of seizure activity. The in-hospital mortality rate was 48% and 50% for patients with ES and ESE, respectively, compared with 19% for patients without ES or ESE. Risk factors for ES and ESE included young age, overt seizure activity within 8 hours before EEG, and history of cluster seizures. Results indicated that ES and ESE were fairly common in dogs and cats with suspected seizure activity and affected patients often had only subtle clinical signs. Therefore, EEG is necessary to detect patients with ES and ESE.

Effect of prophylactic treatment with levetiracetam on the incidence of postattenuation seizures in dogs undergoing surgical management of single congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts.

To report the incidence of postattenuation seizures (PAS) in dogs that underwent single congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (cEHPSS) attenuation and to compare incidence of PAS in dogs that either did or did not receive prophylactic treatment with levetiracetam (LEV). Multi-institutional retrospective study. Nine hundred forty dogs. Medical records were reviewed to identify dogs that underwent surgical attenuation of a single cEHPSS from January 2005 through July 2017 and developed PAS within 7 days postoperatively. Dogs were divided into 3 groups: no LEV (LEV-); LEV at ≥15 mg/kg every 8 hours for ≥24 hours preoperatively or a 60 mg/kg intravenous loading dose perioperatively, followed by ≥15 mg/kg every 8 hours postoperatively (LEV1); and LEV at <15 mg/kg every 8 hours, for <24 hours preoperatively, or continued at <15 mg/kg every 8 hours postoperatively (LEV2). Seventy-five (8.0%) dogs developed PAS. Incidence of PAS was 35 of 523 (6.7%), 21 of 188 (11.2%), and 19 of 228 (8.3%) in groups LEV-, LEV1, and LEV2, respectively. This difference was not statistically significant (P = .14). No differences between groups of dogs that seized with respect to investigated variables were identified. The overall incidence of PAS was low (8%). Prophylactic treatment with LEV according to the protocols that were investigated in our study was not associated with a reduced incidence of PAS. Prophylactic treatment with LEV does not afford protection against development of PAS. Surgically treated dogs should continue to be monitored closely during the first 7 days postoperatively for seizures.

Characterization of alfaxalone-induced seizures in dogs upon emergence from anesthesia

Characterization of alfaxalone-induced seizures in dogs upon emergence from anesthesia

Bilateral preictal signature of phase-amplitude coupling in canine epilepsy

Seizure forecasting would improve the quality of life of patients with refractory epilepsy. Although early findings were optimistic, no single feature has been found capable of individually characterizing brain dynamics during transition to seizure. Cross-frequency phase amplitude coupling has been recently proposed as a precursor of seizure activity. This work evaluates the existence of a statistically significant difference in mean phase amplitude coupling distribution between the preictal and interictal states of seizures in dogs with bilaterally implanted intracranial electrodes. Results show a statistically significant change (p<0.05) of phase amplitude coupling during the preictal phase. This change is correlated with the position of implanted electrodes and is more significant within high-gamma frequency bands. These findings highlight the potential benefit of bilateral iEEG analysis and the feasibility of seizure forecasting based on slow modulation of high frequency amplitude.

C-reactief proteïneconcentraties in het serum van honden met idiopathische epilepsie

Inflammatoire reacties bij honden zijn geassocieerd met systemische veranderingen in het serum, de acute fase respons genaamd. Deze gaat gepaard met veranderde concentraties acutefase-eiwitten in het serum. Het C-reactief proteïne (CRP) is een positief acutefase-eiwit en stijgt bijgevolg bij een ontsteking. Er bestaat veel onduidelijkheid over de relatie tussen epilepsie en ontsteking. Daarom werd in deze studie de rol van ontsteking onderzocht bij honden met idiopathische epilepsie (IE). Drie doelstellingen werden vooropgesteld: 1. het meten van serum-CRP-concentraties bij honden met IE en bij gezonde honden, 2. het meten van serum-CRP-concentraties bij honden met acute clusteraanvallen en bij honden met geïsoleerde aanvallen en 3. het opvolgen van de evolutie in serum-CRP-concentraties in de tijd na de laatste epilepsieaanval. In deze studie kon geen significant verschil in serum-CRPconcentratie tussen honden met IE en de honden van de controlegroep worden aangetoond. Verder waren de gemiddelde serum-CRP-concentraties hoger bij honden met clusteraanvallen (8,3 mg/l) dan bij honden met geïsoleerde aanvallen (7,8 mg/l). Deze resultaten waren echter statistisch niet significant (P = 0,077). Ten slotte werd een statistisch niet-significante daling in serum-CRP-concentraties gezien na de laatste epileptische aanval bij de honden met IE (P = 0,077).

Physiological reactivity to spontaneously occurring seizure activity in dogs with epilepsy and their carers

There is a complex bidirectional relationship between stress and epilepsy. Stressful stimuli and subsequent cortisol release act as a trigger for seizure activity in some individuals with epilepsy, and seizure activity itself may act as a stressor to the affected individual. Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological condition in domestic dogs and requires chronic management by their human carers, impacting upon the quality of life of both dog and carer. Seizures occur unpredictably and may be stressful for carers to witness and manage. In the present study we investigated the role of seizure activity as a stressor, measuring the effect of spontaneously occurring seizure activity in dogs with epilepsy upon their own cortisol levels and that of their carers. Furthermore, we tested whether individual differences in HPA reactivity were associated with owner personality characteristics and the quality of the dog–carer relationship. Saliva samples were obtained from sixteen dog-carer dyads in the home setting 20 and 40minute post-seizure, and at time-matched points on the following (non-seizure) day. Significant differences in cortisol levels were found in dogs at 40minute post-seizure (265.1% increase), and at 20minute post-seizure in their carers (40.5% increase). No associations were found between cortisol reactivity and the strength of the dog-carer bond. Carers with higher neuroticism scores exhibited higher cortisol levels at both post-seizure sampling points. As there was a gender bias in the carer sample (15/16 were female), and there are known sex differences in cortisol reactivity in response to psychological stress, the conclusions of this study may be limited to female carers. These findings are the first to objectively demonstrate the acutely stressful effects of seizures in dogs with epilepsy and their carers.

Retrospective epidemiological study of canine epilepsy in Japan using the International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force classification 2015 (2003-2013): etiological distribution, risk factors, survival time, and lifespan.

BackgroundEpilepsy is the most common neurological disease in veterinary practice. However, contrary to human medicine, epilepsy classification in veterinary medicine had not been clearly defined until recently. A number of reports on canine epilepsy have been published, reflecting in part updated proposals from the human epilepsy organization, the International League Against Epilepsy. In 2015, the International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force (IVETF) published a consensus report on the classification and definition of canine epilepsy. The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the etiological distribution, survival time of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (IdE) and structural epilepsy (StE), and risk factors for survival time, according to the recently published IVETF classification. We investigated canine cases with epilepsy that were referred to our teaching hospital in Japan during the past 10 years, and which encompassed a different breed population from Western countries.ResultsA total of 358 dogs with epilepsy satisfied our etiological study criteria. Of these, 172 dogs (48 %) were classified as IdE and 76 dogs (21 %) as StE. Of these dogs, 100 dogs (consisting of 65 with IdE and 35 with StE) were included in our survival study. Median survival time from the initial epileptic seizure in dogs with IdE and StE was 10.4 and 4.5 years, respectively. Median lifespan of dogs with IdE and StE was 13.5 and 10.9 years, respectively. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that risk factors for survival time in IdE were high seizure frequency (≥0.3 seizures/month) and focal epileptic seizures.ConclusionsFocal epileptic seizures were identified as a risk factor for survival time in IdE. Clinicians should carefully differentiate seizure type as it is difficult to identify focal epileptic seizures. With good seizure control, dogs with IdE can survive for nearly the same lifespan as the general dog population. Our results using the IVETF classification are similar to previous studies, although some features were noted in our Japanese canine population (which was composed of mainly small-breed dogs), including a longer lifespan in dogs with epilepsy and a larger percentage of meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown origin in dogs with StE.

The effect of imepitoin, a recently developed antiepileptic drug, on thyroid parameters and fat metabolism in healthy Beagle dogs

Since early 2013, imepitoin has been used in most European countries for the management of recurrent single generalised epileptic seizures in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. It has been reported that imepitoin is as effective as phenobarbital (PB) in controlling seizures in dogs with newly diagnosed idiopathic epilepsy and it has a clinically superior safety profile. As the use of imepitoin gains popularity, its effect on serum thyroid parameters warrants further investigation since long-term PB administration influences thyroid parameters in dogs, which could lead to misinterpretation of laboratory results and incorrect diagnosis of thyroidal illness. A prospective study was conducted to compare the effect of orally administered PB and imepitoin on serum concentrations of total thyroxine (TT4), triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, thyroglobulin autoantibodies, thyroid-stimulating hormone, cholesterol and triglycerides in healthy Beagle dogs. These parameters were determined prior to and at 6, 12 and 18 weeks after antiepileptic drug administration. The starting dose of PB (5 mg/kg PO twice daily; range, 4.4–6.0 mg/kg) was monitored and adjusted to obtain optimal therapeutic serum concentrations (30–35 g/mL). Imepitoin was administered at 30 mg/kg PO twice daily (range, 29.2–35.7 mg/kg).Imepitoin administration did not affect any of the thyroid parameters over an 18-week period. In contrast, serum TT4 concentrations decreased significantly over time in dogs receiving PB (P < 0.05). Serum cholesterol concentrations increased significantly over time in dogs in the imepitoin group, but not to the same extent as commonly seen in dogs with primary hypothyroidism.

Infectious and non-infectious inflammatory causes of seizures in dogs and cats

Clinical signs of infectious central nervous system (CNS) disease are frequently very similar to those caused by non-infectious inflammatory CNS disease and can even appear similar to neoplasia. An antemortem...

Pharmacokinetic evaluation of immediate- and extended-release formulations of levetiracetam in dogs.

To compare the pharmacokinetics of various formulations of levetiracetam after oral administration of a single dose to healthy dogs. 6 neurologically normal mixed-breed dogs. A crossover study design was used. Blood samples for serum harvest were collected from each dog before and at various points after oral administration of one 500-mg tablet of each of 2 generic extended-release (ER) formulations, 1 brand-name ER formulation, or 1 brand-name immediate-release (IR) formulation of levetiracetam. Serum samples were analyzed to determine pharmacokinetic properties of each formulation by means of ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. No dogs had clinically important adverse effects for any formulation of levetiracetam. All ER formulations had a significantly lower maximum serum drug concentration and longer time to achieve that concentration than did the IR formulation. Half-lives and elimination rate constants did not differ significantly among formulations. Values for area under the drug concentration-versus-time curve did not differ significantly between ER formulations and the IR formulation; however, 1 generic ER formulation had a significantly lower area under the curve than did other ER formulations. All ER formulations of levetiracetam had similar pharmacokinetic properties in healthy dogs, with some exceptions. Studies will be needed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the various formulations; however, findings suggested that twice-daily administration of ER formulations may be efficacious in the treatment of seizures in dogs.

Association between estrus and onset of seizures in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy.

BackgroundCatamenial epilepsy in humans is defined as changes in seizure frequency over the course of the menstrual cycle. Three hormonally based patterns of seizure exacerbation have been determined.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate whether there is an association between onset of seizures and the estrous cycle in intact bitches with presumptive idiopathic epilepsy and whether a pattern to the onset of seizures could be recognized.AnimalsForty‐five intact female dogs from a hospital population with a presumptive diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy.MethodsIn a retrospective study, the database of a small animal hospital in Sweden was searched for medical records of intact female dogs diagnosed with epilepsy or seizures. The stage of the estrous cycle as reported either by the owner or the veterinarian at the time of the first seizure was noted.ResultsOf the 45 dogs with idiopathic epilepsy, 17 (38%) had their first seizure when in heat and six dogs (13%) had their first seizure 1–3 months after heat. Nine dogs (20%) had seizures reoccurring in relation to their estrous cycle.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThese findings suggest an association between estrus and onset of seizures in intact bitches with presumptive idiopathic epilepsy. Two hormonally based patterns could be recognized: one during heat and one during a specific time point at the end of diestrus. This could be explained by the proconvulsive effects of estrogen or loss of protective effect against seizures of progesterone, respectively.

Tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid of dogs after seizures.

BackgroundIdiopathic and acquired epilepsy are common in dogs. Up to 30% of these dogs are refractory to pharmacological treatment. Accumulating experimental evidence indicates that brain immune response and presence of inflammatory mediators decrease the threshold for individual seizures and contribute to epileptogenesis.HypothesisDogs with seizures have higher cerebrospinal interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) concentrations compared to dogs with no seizures.MethodsA prospective double blinded study; cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum IL‐6, TNF‐α and total protein (TP) concentrations were measured by a blinded investigator for the study group and CSF IL‐6 and TNF‐α levels and TP concentrations were measured in the control group (CG).AnimalsDogs presented with seizures that had enough CSF collected to allow analysis were included in the study group. Twelve apparently healthy, quarantined, stray dogs served as control (CG).ResultsCerebrospinal fluid TNF‐α and IL‐6 concentrations were significantly higher (P = .011, P = .039) in dogs with seizures (0 ± 70.66, 0.65 ± 10.93 pg/mL) compared to the CG (0 ± 19, 0.73 ± 0.55 pg/mL). When assessing cytokine concentrations of specifically the idiopathic epilepsy (IE) dogs compared to the CG, only TNF‐α concentrations (8.66 ± 62, 0 ± 19 pg/mL) were significantly higher (P = .01). CSF TP concentrations were not significantly higher in the study dogs compared to the CG.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceHigher TNF‐α and IL‐6 concentration in the CSF of dogs with naturally occurring seizures. The higher supports the hypothesis that inflammatory processes through certain mediators play a role in the pathogenesis of seizures in dogs.

Seizures in companion animals

THIS edition of In Practice focuses on epileptic seizures in dogs and cats, and the causes, investigation and management thereof. As will become clear in this set of articles, epileptic...

Forecasting Seizures in Dogs with Naturally Occurring Epilepsy

Seizure forecasting has the potential to create new therapeutic strategies for epilepsy, such as providing patient warnings and delivering preemptive therapy. Progress on seizure forecasting, however, has been hindered by lack of sufficient data to rigorously evaluate the hypothesis that seizures are preceded by physiological changes, and are not simply random events. We investigated seizure forecasting in three dogs with naturally occurring focal epilepsy implanted with a device recording continuous intracranial EEG (iEEG). The iEEG spectral power in six frequency bands: delta (0.1–4 Hz), theta (4–8 Hz), alpha (8–12 Hz), beta (12–30 Hz), low-gamma (30–70 Hz), and high-gamma (70–180 Hz), were used as features. Logistic regression classifiers were trained to discriminate labeled pre-ictal and inter-ictal data segments using combinations of the band spectral power features. Performance was assessed on separate test data sets via 10-fold cross-validation. A total of 125 spontaneous seizures were detected in continuous iEEG recordings spanning 6.5 to 15 months from 3 dogs. When considering all seizures, the seizure forecasting algorithm performed significantly better than a Poisson-model chance predictor constrained to have the same time in warning for all 3 dogs over a range of total warning times. Seizure clusters were observed in all 3 dogs, and when the effect of seizure clusters was decreased by considering the subset of seizures separated by at least 4 hours, the forecasting performance remained better than chance for a subset of algorithm parameters. These results demonstrate that seizures in canine epilepsy are not randomly occurring events, and highlight the feasibility of long-term seizure forecasting using iEEG monitoring.

The novel antiepileptic drug imepitoin compares favourably to other GABA-mimetic drugs in a seizure threshold model in mice and dogs

Recently, the imidazolinone derivative imepitoin has been approved for treatment of canine epilepsy. Imepitoin acts as a low-affinity partial agonist at the benzodiazepine (BZD) site of the GABAA receptor and is the first compound with such mechanism that has been developed as an antiepileptic drug (AED). This mechanism offers several advantages compared to full agonists, including less severe adverse effects and a lack of tolerance and dependence liability, which has been demonstrated in rodents, dogs, and nonhuman primates. In clinical trials in epileptic dogs, imepitoin was shown to be an effective and safe AED. Recently, seizures in dogs have been proposed as a translational platform for human therapeutic trials on new epilepsy treatments. In the present study, we compared the anticonvulsant efficacy of imepitoin, phenobarbital and the high-affinity partial BZD agonist abecarnil in the timed i.v. pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) seizure threshold test in dogs and, for comparison, in mice. Furthermore, adverse effects of treatments were compared in both species. All drugs dose-dependently increased the PTZ threshold in both species, but anticonvulsant efficacy was higher in dogs than mice. At the doses selected for this study, imepitoin was slightly less potent than phenobarbital in increasing seizure threshold, but markedly more tolerable in both species. Effective doses of imepitoin in the PTZ seizure model were in the same range as those suppressing spontaneous recurrent seizures in epileptic dogs. The study demonstrates that low-affinity partial agonists at the benzodiazepine site of the GABAA receptor, such as imepitoin, offer advantages as a new category of AEDs.

Public perception of epilepsy in dogs is more favorable than in humans

ObjectivesWith the use of YouTube™, this study provides results on both the demographics and public perception for a sample of videos of canine epilepsy. MethodsA random sample of 150 videos was collected, the uploader description was recorded, and viewers' comments were coded according to their emotional and informational content. ResultsMore comments were found to be sympathetic than derogatory, and there were more information-providing than information-seeking comments. The number of sympathetic comments was found to correlate positively with the number of derogatory comments, and the number of information-providing comments correlated positively with the number of information-seeking comments. ConclusionThese findings shed light on the variation in perceptions of seizures in dogs, which are interestingly more sympathetic towards dogs with epilepsy than towards humans with epilepsy. This highlights the potential future use of YouTube in investigating public views as well as in informing and educating.