Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Epilepsy seizures in dogs in southern Brazil explained
By da Silva, Guilherme Lopes et al.·Published in Topics in companion animal medicine·2025·Department of Veterinary Medicine, Brazil·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Epidemiological and clinical insights into canine epilepsy: A retrospective study in southern Brazil.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 116 dogs with epilepsy were evaluated for their seizure episodes, which can greatly affect their quality of life. Most of the affected dogs were young adults, with mixed-breed dogs being the most common, although some pure breeds like French Bulldogs and Yorkshire Terriers were also noted. The study found that idiopathic epilepsy, which means the cause is unknown, was the most frequent reason for seizures. It emphasized the need for early neurological evaluations and personalized treatment plans to improve the dogs' health and well-being.
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Abstract
Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder in dogs, characterized by recurrent seizure episodes that can significantly impact quality of life. This retrospective study analyzed 116 dogs treated in 2023 and 2024, evaluating clinical and epidemiological factors associated with epilepsy and other neurological conditions. Data were collected from clinical consultations, laboratory tests, and imaging exams. Idiopathic epilepsy was the most frequent cause of seizures, primarily affecting young adult dogs (mean age: 5.27 ± 2.75 years), with no significant sex predisposition (p > 0.05). Mixed-breed dogs were the most commonly affected, although certain pure breeds - such as French Bulldogs, Siberian Huskies, and Yorkshire Terriers - showed increased representation. Ischemic stroke was rare, reinforcing that seizures are not a predominant manifestation of this condition. Intracranial tumors were mainly observed in elderly dogs (aged over 10 years), with meningioma being the most common, underscoring the importance of early neurological evaluation. This study contributes to a better understanding of epilepsy in dogs in southern Brazil, supporting differential diagnosis and clinical decision-making. The findings also highlight the importance of advanced diagnostics and individualized treatment plans. Given the complexity of epilepsy, further research is needed to improve understanding of its causes, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies, ultimately enhancing the prognosis and quality of life of affected dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40818606/