Influence of idiopathic epilepsy on blood pressure and electrocardiography in dogs treated with phenobarbital

TL;DR

This study investigates how idiopathic epilepsy in dogs affects heart function and blood pressure, finding differences in electrocardiogram readings.

Contribution

The study is the first to report cardiac conduction alterations in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy.

Findings

QRS complex and S-T interval values were significantly different between healthy and epileptic dogs.

Blood pressure values did not differ significantly between the groups.

Idiopathic epilepsy in dogs is associated with cardiac conduction alterations.

Abstract

Dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (IE) experience a shortened lifespan, neurobehavioral changes, and an increased risk of comorbidities during the interictal period. There have been several reports of sudden death in humans with epilepsy, suggesting changes in cardiac rhythm secondary to seizures. In veterinary medicine, there are still no such conclusive studies. The present study aimed to evaluate blood pressure values, electrocardiographic findings, and laboratory parameters in dogs with IE treated with phenobarbital and to correlate these findings with possible cardiac alterations.

Twenty-one dogs were divided into 11 healthy dogs and 10 idiopathic epileptic dogs for blood analysis, computerized electrocardiogram, and oscillometer-based blood pressure measurement.

QRS complex and S-T interval values differed significantly between groups, but blood pressure values were not significantly different.

IE can occur with alterations in cardiac conduction and is a pathological condition.