Stassen QEM, Grinwis GCM, van Rhijn NC, Beukers M, Verhoeven-Duif NM, Leegwater PAJ. Focal epilepsy with fear-related behavior as primary presentation in Boerboel dogs.
J Vet Intern Med 2018;
33:694-700. [PMID:
30580458 PMCID:
PMC6430876 DOI:
10.1111/jvim.15346]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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.
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