Prevalence of generalized and non-generalized seizure types in a primary care population of dogs

To estimate the prevalence of generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS), generalized tonic-clonic seizures plus additional signs (GTCS+), and non-generalized tonic-clonic seizures (non-GTCS) in a single primary care practice canine population and to explore whether insurance and preventative healthcare plan enrollment affect referral care acceptance.

This was a retrospective descriptive study of electronic medical records of dogs with at least 1 seizure recorded (even if comorbid) attending a single primary care veterinary clinic from May 2017 to April 2023. Seizure descriptions (categorized as above), healthcare plans, and demographic variables were collected.

Of 28 cases, 16 (57%) were GTCS, 9 (32%) were GTCS+, and 3 (11%) were non-GTCS. Only 3 (11%) had a record of insurance, while 20 (71%) had preventative healthcare plan enrollment. Of note, 16 of 28 (57%) cases recorded neurology referral care, with the majority of cases being uninsured (13 of 16 [81%]).

Of the few cases in the 6-year period, the most described were GTCS (57%), followed by GTCS+ (32%) and non-GTCS (10%). Larger primary care populations are needed for robust estimates of seizure and demographic prevalence and to examine financial barriers to care.

Investigations at the level of a single primary care practice capture the context and detail of seizure presentations. Discrepancies exist between the spectrum of seizure type diagnosis and care provided within primary care and referral establishments. Integration of International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force (IVETF) protocols and advanced diagnostic procedures into veterinary education could facilitate access to a wider spectrum of canine seizure care.