Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Boerboel dogs having seizures with sudden fear behavior
By Stassen, Quirine E M et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2019·Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Netherlands·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 We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above.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: Focal epilepsy with fear-related behavior as primary presentation in Boerboel dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Five Boerboel puppies, starting at just 3 months old, were brought to the vet because they experienced sudden episodes of extreme fear, howling loudly and trembling during these episodes. Despite thorough testing, including blood work and MRI scans, the results were mostly normal, but a brain examination revealed some unusual changes in the neurons. This condition appears to be a new type of hereditary focal epilepsy that causes these fear-related behaviors. Treatment options may include medications to help manage the seizures and improve the puppies' quality of life.
People also search for: Boerboel puppy fear behavior · dog seizures treatment · sudden fear in puppies · focal epilepsy in dogs · how to help a scared dog
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Focal seizures with fear as a primary ictal manifestation, their diagnostic challenges, and impact on quality of life are well described in human medicine. Reports focusing on ictal fear-like behavior in animals are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and histopathological characteristics of a novel focal epilepsy in Boerboel dogs. ANIMALS: Five client-owned Boerboel littermates presented for evaluation of sudden episodes of severe fear-related behavior. METHODS: Clinical examination, complete blood cell count, routine blood biochemistry, and urinalysis were performed in all dogs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the brain were performed in 3 affected Boerboels. In addition, in 2 affected Boerboels, metabolic screening, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and necropsy were performed. RESULTS: Onset of signs was 3 months of age in all affected Boerboels. All Boerboels howled loudly, had an extremely fearful facial expression and trembled during seizures. All affected Boerboels also had autonomic or motor signs. Results of laboratory investigations, diagnostic imaging, and metabolic screening were generally unremarkable. Histopathology showed moderate numbers of single large vacuoles in the perikaryon of neurons throughout the brain, specifically in the deeper cerebral cortical regions. Family history, pedigree analysis, and the homogenous phenotype were suggestive of autosomal recessive inheritance. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The observed paroxysmal fear-related behavior represents a newly recognized hereditary focal epilepsy in dogs with distinctive clinical and histopathologic features. Veterinarians should be aware that sudden episodes of unusual behavior can represent focal epilepsy.
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/30580458/