Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Prevalence of nonconvulsive seizures and nonconvulsive status epilepticus in dogs and cats with a history of cluster seizures: A retrospective study.
- Journal:
- Journal of veterinary internal medicine
- Year:
- 2024
- Authors:
- Tästensen, Carina et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department for Small Animals · Germany
Plain-English summary
In a study looking at dogs and cats that have experienced cluster seizures, researchers found that nonconvulsive seizures (which are seizures without the typical shaking) and nonconvulsive status epilepticus (a prolonged state of these seizures) are more common than previously thought. Out of 38 pets studied, about 29% had nonconvulsive seizures, and 16% had nonconvulsive status epilepticus. Many of these pets showed signs of decreased awareness, and the study noted that the chances of dying in the hospital were significantly higher for those with these types of seizures compared to those without seizure activity detected on tests. The findings suggest that using special brain wave tests (EEG) could be very important for diagnosing these conditions in pets with cluster seizures. Overall, the study highlights the need for better monitoring in these cases due to the serious risks involved.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Nonconvulsive seizures (NCS) and nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) are frequently observed in human patients. Diagnosis of NCS and NCSE only can be achieved by the use of electroencephalography (EEG). Electroencephalographic monitoring is rare in veterinary medicine and consequently there is limited data on frequency of NCS and NCSE. OBJECTIVES: Determine the prevalence of NCS and NCSE in dogs and cats with a history of cluster seizures. ANIMALS: Twenty-six dogs and 12 cats. METHODS: Retrospective study. Medical records of dogs and cats with cluster seizures were reviewed. Electroencephalography was performed in order to identify electrographic seizure activity after the apparent cessation of convulsive seizure activity. RESULTS: Nonconvulsive seizures were detected in 9 dogs and 2 cats out of the 38 patients (29%). Nonconvulsive status epilepticus was detected in 4 dogs and 2 cats (16%). Five patients had both NCS and NCSE. A decreased level of consciousness was evident in 6/11 patients with NCS, 3/6 also had NCSE. Mortality rate for patients with NCS (73%) and NCSE (67%) was much higher than that for patients with no seizure activity on EEG (27%). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Prevalence of NCS and NCSE is high in dogs and cats with a history of cluster seizures. Nonconvulsive seizures and NCSE are difficult to detect clinically and are associated with higher in hospital mortality rates. Results indicate that prompt EEG monitoring should be performed in dogs and cats with cluster seizures.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38006289/