Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Epidemiological and clinical insights into canine epilepsy: A retrospective study in southern Brazil.
- Journal:
- Topics in companion animal medicine
- Year:
- 2025
- Authors:
- da Silva, Guilherme Lopes et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Medicine · Brazil
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Epilepsy is a common brain disorder in dogs that causes repeated seizures, which can really affect their quality of life. A study looked at 116 dogs treated in southern Brazil over two years to understand more about this condition. Most of the dogs were young adults, around 5 years old, and mixed-breed dogs were the most affected, though some pure breeds like French Bulldogs and Yorkshire Terriers were also noted. The study found that seizures are usually not linked to strokes, and older dogs over 10 years old may have seizures due to brain tumors. Overall, the research helps veterinarians better diagnose and treat epilepsy in dogs, but more studies are needed to improve how we understand and manage this condition.
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder in dogs, characterized by recurrent seizure episodes that can significantly impact quality of life. This retrospective study analyzed 116 dogs treated in 2023 and 2024, evaluating clinical and epidemiological factors associated with epilepsy and other neurological conditions. Data were collected from clinical consultations, laboratory tests, and imaging exams. Idiopathic epilepsy was the most frequent cause of seizures, primarily affecting young adult dogs (mean age: 5.27 ± 2.75 years), with no significant sex predisposition (p > 0.05). Mixed-breed dogs were the most commonly affected, although certain pure breeds - such as French Bulldogs, Siberian Huskies, and Yorkshire Terriers - showed increased representation. Ischemic stroke was rare, reinforcing that seizures are not a predominant manifestation of this condition. Intracranial tumors were mainly observed in elderly dogs (aged over 10 years), with meningioma being the most common, underscoring the importance of early neurological evaluation. This study contributes to a better understanding of epilepsy in dogs in southern Brazil, supporting differential diagnosis and clinical decision-making. The findings also highlight the importance of advanced diagnostics and individualized treatment plans. Given the complexity of epilepsy, further research is needed to improve understanding of its causes, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies, ultimately enhancing the prognosis and quality of life of affected dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40818606/