Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Collar device to detect seizures in dogs with epilepsy
By Muñana, Karen R et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2020·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Evaluation of a collar-mounted accelerometer for detecting seizure activity in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 22 dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (a type of seizure disorder) wore a special collar that could detect seizures. The collar used two different methods to try to identify when the dogs had seizures, but it only accurately detected them about 18-22% of the time. Despite the low detection rate, the dogs' quality of life improved significantly over the study period, likely due to increased exercise and better management of their condition. While the collar may not be very reliable for detecting every seizure, it could still help owners monitor their pets' activity levels and overall well-being.
People also search for: dog seizure detection collar · idiopathic epilepsy in dogs · improving quality of life for dogs with seizures
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The majority of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy continue to have seizures despite appropriate treatment. OBJECTIVES: To assess the use of a commercially available, collar-mounted accelerometer to detect generalized seizures in dogs. ANIMALS: Twenty two client-owned dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. METHODS: Six-month prospective clinical study during which dogs wore a collar-mounted accelerometer. Seizure documentation was based on owner observations and video recordings. The accelerometer used a predefined algorithm to detect seizures in the first study phase, and an individualized algorithm in the second study phase. Caregivers completed a quality of life (QoL) questionnaire at the initial and final study visit. RESULTS: Using the predefined algorithm, the accelerometer detected seizures with a sensitivity of 18.6% (95% CI [13.4%, 23.8%]) and mean false detection rate of 0.096/day. Values did not change significantly with use of an individualized algorithm (sensitivity 22.1%, 95% CI [15.1%, 29.0%]; false detection rate 0.054/day). Mean composite QoL score was significantly improved at study completion (50.42) compared to study initiation (39.53; P = .005), and this change was moderately correlated with a change in weekly exercise (r = 0.46, P = .05). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Generalized seizures in dogs can be detected with a collar-mounted accelerometer, but the overall sensitivity is low.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32293068/