Probable Sudden Unexpected Death in Dogs With Epilepsy (pSUDED)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Neurology
• Epileptology
• Canine Health

Background:

• Sudden unexpected death in epileptic humans (SUDEP) is a recognized phenomenon.
• Probable SUDEP (pSUDEP) is defined pathologically.
• Probable sudden unexpected death in dogs with epilepsy (pSUDED) is an adapted term for canine SUDEP.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the occurrence rate of probable sudden unexpected death in dogs with epilepsy (pSUDED).
• To identify risk factors associated with pSUDED in canine patients.

Main Methods:

• A monocentric retrospective study analyzed data from 1,503 canine patients with seizures (1998-2018).
• Owners of 509 dogs were contacted via telephone, with 373 completing a validated questionnaire.
• Patient signalment, seizure frequency, presentation, and circumstances of death were assessed.

Main Results:

• Fifty-one percent (191/373) of dogs in the study had died by the endpoint.
• Of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy that died unexpectedly, 12 were suspected of pSUDED, yielding an occurrence rate of 4.5-10%.
• Dogs with idiopathic epilepsy, particularly those with brachycephalic syndrome and cluster seizures, showed an increased risk for pSUDED.

Conclusions:

• Probable sudden unexpected death in dogs with epilepsy (pSUDED) occurs at a rate comparable to human SUDEP.
• pSUDED should be considered a potential complication in epileptic dogs.
• Owner education regarding the risk of sudden death in epileptic dogs is crucial.