Median blood lactate values are elevated in dogs presenting with acute seizure activity: 2014-2024

To establish the expected presenting blood lactate values in dogs with acute seizure activity. The secondary goal was to compare lactate values between dogs presenting for a single seizure (SSG) or cluster seizures (CSG) or in status epilepticus (SEG).

In this retrospective observational study, the electronic medical record at a university small animal hospital was queried for dogs with acute seizures (within 24 hours of presentation) with a blood lactate measurement within 2 hours of presentation between January 1, 2014, and October 31, 2024. Data related to seizure type, lactate values, patient vital parameters, and other blood parameters (if available) were extracted. Dogs with incomplete medical records were excluded.

88 dogs were included in 95 presentation events. The median age was 6 years, 5 months; 52 events involved female dogs, and 43 events involved male dogs. Twenty-two dogs made up the SSG, 51 dogs made up the CSG, and 22 dogs made up the SEG. The majority (72.6%) of dogs had a high lactate value on presentation (median values: SSG, 2.7 mmol/L; CSG, 3.1 mmol/L; and SEG, 4.65 mmol/L). Status epilepticus dogs had a statistically significantly elevated body temperature (median, 39.4 °C) compared to the SSG (38.8 °C); there were no statistically significant differences in blood glucose, lactate, or blood pH between groups.

Median lactate values were elevated in all groups at presentation, but there was no statistical difference between groups. The median temperature was elevated in the SEG.

This study provides expected lactate values in dogs with acute seizure activity.