Postencephalitic epilepsy in dogs with meningoencephalitis of unknown origin: Clinical features, risk factors, and long-term outcome
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Published on: February 10, 2020
Adriana Kaczmarska1, Roberto José-López1, Michał Czopowicz2
1Small Animal Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
Background:
Although the presence of seizures in dogs with meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO) has been associated with shorter survival times, data regarding the prevalence and risk factors for postencephalitic epilepsy (PEE) is lacking.
Objectives:
To describe the clinical features, prevalence, risk factors, and long-term outcome of PEE in dogs with MUO.
Animals:
Sixty-one dogs with presumptive diagnosis of MUO based on the clinicopathological and diagnostic imaging findings.
Methods:
Retrospective study. Cases were identified by search of hospital medical records for dogs with suspected or confirmed MUO. Medical records of dogs meeting inclusion criteria were reviewed. Signalment, seizure history, clinicopathologic, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were recorded.
Results:
Among 61 dogs at risk of PEE, 14 (23%) dogs developed PEE. Three of 14 dogs with PEE (21%) developed drug-resistant epilepsy. Dogs with PEE were younger (P = .03; ORadjusted = 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.58-0.98) and had significantly shorter survival times (log-rank test P = .04) when compared to dogs that did not develop epilepsy. The risk factors associated with the development of PEE were the presence of acute symptomatic seizures (ASS; P = .04; ORadjusted = 4.76; 95% CI, 1.11-20.4) and MRI lesions in the hippocampus (P = .04; ORadjusted = 4.75; 95% CI, 1.07-21.0).
Conclusions And Clinical Importance:
Dogs with MUO and seizures at the early stage of the disease (ASS) seem to be at a higher risk of developing PEE.
Insights
Dogs with meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO) that experience acute symptomatic seizures (ASS) are at higher risk for developing postencephalitic epilepsy (PEE). Early seizures and hippocampal MRI lesions are key risk factors for PEE in these dogs.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Canine Epilepsy Research
- Neuroinflammation Studies
Background:
- Seizures in dogs with meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO) are linked to poorer outcomes.
- Limited data exists on the prevalence and risk factors for postencephalitic epilepsy (PEE) in dogs following MUO.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical features, prevalence, risk factors, and long-term prognosis of PEE in dogs diagnosed with MUO.
- To identify specific predictors for the development of PEE in canine MUO cases.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study analyzed medical records of 61 dogs with a presumptive MUO diagnosis.
- Data collected included signalment, seizure history, clinicopathologic findings, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results.
Main Results:
- Postencephalitic epilepsy (PEE) developed in 14% (23%) of the 61 dogs studied.
- Risk factors for PEE included acute symptomatic seizures (ASS) and hippocampal MRI lesions.
- Dogs with PEE were younger and had significantly shorter survival times.
Conclusions:
- Acute symptomatic seizures (ASS) during the early stages of MUO are a significant risk factor for developing PEE.
- Identifying these risk factors can aid in predicting and managing PEE in dogs with MUO.
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