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Behavioral Changes in Dogs With Idiopathic Epilepsy Compared to Other Medical Populations
Hilary Levitin1, Devon Wallis Hague1, Kelly C Ballantyne2
1Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana, IL, United States.
Frontiers in Veterinary Science
|November 30, 2019
Summary
Anxiety behaviors are common in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (IE), especially those on multiple medications. Seizure control did not correlate with these anxiety traits, impacting canine quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Comparative Neurology
- Veterinary Behavioral Medicine
- Canine Epilepsy Research
Background:
- Anxiety-related behaviors are observed in humans with idiopathic epilepsy (IE), with potential alterations linked to seizure phases.
- Understanding anxiety in epileptic dogs is crucial for assessing their overall quality of life (QoL).
- Previous research highlights the connection between neurological conditions and behavioral changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and severity of anxiety-related behaviors in dogs with IE.
- To compare anxiety behaviors in dogs with IE against control groups (wellness and intervertebral disc disease).
- To determine if behavioral changes in epileptic dogs correlate with seizure control or medication type.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cross-sectional study involving 102 dogs: 38 with IE, 27 with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), and 37 in a wellness group.
- Owners completed a survey using the shortened Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (mini-CBARQ) to assess behavior.
- Veterinarians verified diagnoses; data analyzed for correlations between IE, other conditions, medication, and behavioral traits.
Main Results:
- Dogs with IE and IVDD showed increased fear/anxiety towards unfamiliar dogs compared to the wellness group.
- Epileptic dogs on polytherapy (multiple anti-seizure medications) exhibited reduced excitement for walks/car trips and increased anxiety when groomed or left alone.
- Polytherapy was associated with increased agitation during owner affection towards others, regardless of seizure phase (preictal, postictal, interictal).
Conclusions:
- Anxiety behaviors are significantly present in dogs with IE, particularly those on polytherapy.
- Seizure frequency or severity did not correlate with anxiety-related behaviors in dogs with IE.
- Behavioral changes in epileptic dogs warrant further investigation into the disease's impact on canine quality of life.
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