Focal Autonomic Seizures Manifesting With Prevailing Signs of Gastrointestinal Disorder in Dogs

TL;DR

Three dogs showed seizure-like symptoms involving the digestive system, and these were diagnosed as focal autonomic seizures using EEG.

Contribution

This study reports the first cases of focal autonomic seizures in dogs with gastrointestinal signs and highlights the role of EEG in diagnosis.

Findings

Three dogs exhibited focal autonomic seizures with gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and hypersalivation.

EEG confirmed epileptiform discharges in all cases, supporting the diagnosis of seizures.

Antiepileptic treatment effectively reduced clinical signs in the dogs.

Abstract

In human medicine, focal seizures can clinically express as autonomic signs, such as gastrointestinal dysfunction, cardiovascular changes, and variation of pupillary size; but little is known about possible presentations of autonomic seizures in veterinary medicine. Three dogs were presented for recurrent episodes characterized by hypersalivation, vomiting, retching, and signs of abdominal discomfort. Neurological examinations were normal between episodes. Electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings identified ictal or interictal epileptiform discharges in all dogs. Based on clinical signs and EEG findings, a diagnosis of focal autonomic seizures was made. There was a notable positive response of clinical signs to antiepileptic treatment. These cases highlight the diverse clinical presentations of focal autonomic seizures in dogs and emphasize the diagnostic value of EEG in these cases.

Figures