Al Kafaji T, Tocco F, Okonji S, Gallucci A. Clinical features and outcome of 10 dogs with suspected idiopathic vestibular epilepsy.
J Vet Intern Med 2024;
38:1591-1597. [PMID:
38514172 PMCID:
PMC11099704 DOI:
10.1111/jvim.17046]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
In humans, vestibular epilepsy (VE) is described as focal seizures with transient signs of vestibular disease. In dogs, 2 cases of vestibular episodes, called vestibular paroxysmia, are reported.
HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES
The objective of this study was to define the clinical features, phenotypical manifestation, and outcome of suspected VE in dogs.
ANIMALS
Ten dogs with recurrent vestibular episodes.
METHODS
Retrospective study. Medical records between 2009 and 2023 were reviewed, and dogs with a normal neurological examination, a history of transient signs of vestibular disease, absence of abnormalities detected on blood exams and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT), besides a minimum 10-month follow-up were included. Clinical improvement was defined as a ≥50% reduction in frequency or the cessation of clinical signs after the onset of antiseizure medications (ASMs).
RESULTS
Pugs were the most prevalent breed (5/10; 50%). In 2 cases, additional generalized tonic-clonic (GTC) seizures were reported. MRI exam was performed in most cases (9/10; 90%), whereas 1 dog underwent a CT scan (1/10; 10%). Electroencephalography (EEG) was carried out in 3 dogs that showed interictal spikes in the fronto-temporal and fronto-parietal areas. All cases received ASMs, with clinical improvement in 10/10 dogs (100%).
CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE
The presence of GTC seizures, EEG interictal spikes, and responsiveness to ASMs supported the hypothesis of an epileptic origin of vestibular episodes and thus the existence of VE in these dogs, with a presumed idiopathic cause and apparent favorable outcome.
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