Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Suspected exercise-induced seizures in a young dog.
- Journal:
- The Journal of small animal practice
- Year:
- 2013
- Authors:
- Motta, L & Dutton, E
- Affiliation:
- ChesterGates Animal Referral Hospital
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 12-month-old female neutered crossbreed dog was taken to the vet because she was having seizure-like episodes only when she exercised intensely. After a thorough examination, including tests on her heart and nervous system, the vet ruled out common causes for seizures. During one of her episodes, a heart monitor showed her heart was racing at about 300 beats per minute, and a video captured her having typical seizure movements like shaking and frothing at the mouth. The vet decided not to give her medication but advised the owner to avoid intense exercise. The good news is that after 12 months of lighter exercise, the dog has not had any more seizures, suggesting that her episodes were likely triggered by intense physical activity.
Abstract
A 12-month-old female neutered crossbreed was referred for investigation of seizure-like episodes occurring only at intense exercise. Thorough medical, neurological and cardiac investigations were performed and excluded the most commonly known causes of seizure-like activity. The dog was fitted with an ambulatory electrocardiography device and underwent another exercise-induced seizure. The electrocardiogram during the episode revealed a sinus tachycardia at approximately 300 beats/minute. A video recording of the episode revealed generalised tonic clonic limb activity with jaw chomping and frothing at the mouth typical of seizure activity. Antiepileptic medications were not prescribed and the owner was advised not to exercise the dog intensely. The dog responded well and did not seizure after 12 months of mild-moderate off-lead exercise. As all the seizures in this case were triggered by intense physical activity, it is suggested that this may be a new form of reflex seizure activity.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23387942/