Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
EEG patterns help diagnose Lafora disease in two Beagles
By Demeny, Helga et al.·Published in Frontiers in veterinary science·2020·Department of Preclinical and Clinical Sciences·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: EEG Patterns Orienting to Lafora Disease Diagnosis-A Case Report in Two Beagles.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Two Beagles were diagnosed with Lafora Disease, a rare and serious form of epilepsy that causes seizures and muscle jerks. Their owners noticed unusual muscle contractions and seizures, prompting veterinary evaluation. The veterinarians used electroencephalogram (EEG) tests to observe specific brain activity patterns that indicated the disease, which was later confirmed through genetic testing. Unfortunately, Lafora Disease is progressive and currently has no cure, but early diagnosis can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
People also search for: Beagle seizures treatment · Lafora disease in dogs · dog myoclonic epilepsy symptoms
Abstract
Lafora Disease (LD) is a rare, fatal, late-onset, progressive form of myoclonic epilepsy, occurring in humans and dogs. Clinical manifestations of LD usually include seizures, spontaneous and reflex myoclonus with contractions of the neck and limb muscles. We studied the electroencephalogram (EEG) patterns of two beagles in whom LD was subsequently confirmed by genetic testing. In both cases, the EEG recordings, accompanied by electromyography (EMG), have shown similar uncommon patterns. The hypovoltaged background rhythm was interrupted by waxing "crescendo" polyspikes-slow wave complexes appearing 80-250 ms after the start of intermittent photic stimulation, followed by myoclonic jerks after 80-150 ms. This study highlights the value of EEG in establishing a presumptive diagnosis of LD in dogs.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33251270/