Epileptic seizures triggered by eating in dogs

Phenotypic characterization of idiopathic epilepsy and epilepsy of unknown cause in Irish Setters

Canine epileptic seizures are common neurological symptom presenting to veterinary practice. Idiopathic epilepsy (IE) with a suspected genetic background has been reported in several dog breeds. Although it has been reported in the Irish Setter (IS), the phenotypic characteristics have not yet been described. The aim of this study was to characterize the phenotype of IE in this breed and to trace its mode of inheritance. Owners of IS were requested to fill in a questionnaire via the Dutch Irish Setter Club concerning the epileptic seizures in their dogs. The data was assessed retrospectively using descriptive statistics. Forty-eight privately owned IS dogs fulfilling tier I criteria for IE according to the International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force of both sexes were included in the study. The mean age of seizure onset was 41 months. Five of the dogs included in the study had an onset of seizures >6 years of age. These dogs were classified with epilepsy of unknown cause (EUC). Primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures were the most common type of seizure and were seen in almost all dogs. Cluster seizures were reported in 54% of the studied population. Most owners reported pre- (56%) and post-ictal (97%) signs in their dogs. A pedigree analysis of one subpopulation was performed and traced the lineage of 13 affected IS. A segregation analysis of this population rejected a simple autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. The present study supports the occurrence of IE and EUC in the IS. The results provide clinical insight into epileptic seizures in this breed and may be a starting point for further, including genetic, analysis.

Suspected acquired narcolepsy in 8 dogs

Background

Acquired narcolepsy has rarely been reported in veterinary medicine.

Objective

To describe the presentation, clinicopathological features, diagnostic imaging findings, and management of dogs with suspected‐acquired narcolepsy.

Animals

Eight dogs with clinical features consistent with acquired narcolepsy.

Methods

A call for suspected cases of acquired narcolepsy was made online, followed by a retrospective review of detailed medical records of potential cases. Dogs were included if episodes consistent with cataplexy were present during examination by a board‐certified veterinary neurologist and diagnostic work‐up included magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid.

Results

Seven French Bulldogs and 1 Chihuahua (age range, 9‐66 months) were included. Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin was diagnosed in 2 dogs, extracranial foci of inflammation were identified in 2 dogs (aspiration pneumonia, esophagitis, otitis media), and no abnormalities were found on diagnostic investigations in 4 dogs. Prednisolone was used in the management of all dogs, 6 dogs received imipramine, and 2 received cytosine arabinoside. An initial remission of signs was observed in all dogs, but a subsequent relapse of clinical signs was recorded for 4 dogs, of which 3 responded to adjustment or resumption of treatment.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The presence of cataplexy episodes should prompt a thorough diagnostic work‐up to exclude the presence of intracranial (and extracranial) pathology. The potential for both remission and relapse of signs in suspected acquired cases is important for clinicians and owners to be aware of.

Epileptic seizures triggered by eating in dogs

Background

Seizures triggered by eating (STE) behavior are very rare in humans and have not been documented previously in dogs.

Objectives

To document the occurrence of STE in dogs and describe their clinical features.

Animals

Ten client‐owned dogs with STE diagnosed at 5 European referral centers.

Methods

A call for suspected cases of STE was made online. This call was followed by a retrospective review of medical records, combined with a questionnaire to be completed by both the owner and the board‐certified neurologist who made the diagnosis. Cases were included if >50% of the seizures that occurred were related to eating and if a minimum diagnostic evaluation for seizures had been performed.

Results

Four cases only had STE and 6 cases had both STE and spontaneous seizures. Four of the dogs were retrievers. The most common seizure type was focal epileptic seizures evolving to become generalized. Nine dogs were diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy. One dog had a presumptive diagnosis of glioma involving the margins of the parietal, temporal, and frontal cortex (the perisylvian region), an area known to have a key role in eating‐associated epilepsy in people. Treatment strategies included a combination of pharmacological management and eating habit changes.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

We have identified a form of reflex epilepsy in dogs, with STE behavior. Further studies are warranted to improve the characterization and management of STE.