Idiopathic epilepsy stands as the most prevalent neurological disorder in dogs, mirroring certain aspects found in human epilepsy. One of the significant parallels is the presence of behavioral comorbidities in affected dogs, including heightened levels of fear, anxiety, and aggression. These behavioral changes, often noted by caregivers, add a layer of complexity to the disease and profoundly affect both the dog's and the caregiver's quality of life.

The Challenge of Behavioral Assessment in Canine Epilepsy

Investigating behavioral patterns in dogs with epilepsy presents unique challenges. One key difficulty is distinguishing between interictal (between seizures), preictal (before seizures), and postictal (after seizures) behaviors, as well as identifying prodromal changes (early symptoms) and factors that precipitate seizures. Adding to the complexity, the under-recognition of less obvious seizure types like absence and focal seizures makes accurate behavioral assessments even more challenging.

The Impact on Quality of Life

The intricate nature of behavioral symptoms in canine epilepsy, coupled with the demands of caring for an epileptic dog, can significantly diminish the quality of life for both the animal and its caregiver. Despite a growing awareness of these behavioral comorbidities and their profound impact, there remains a stark lack of objective research methods to classify and quantify these behaviors in dogs.

Evaluating Research Tools: Strengths, Limitations, and Opportunities

This narrative review critically examines three research tools employed in the study of canine behavior and epilepsy: questionnaires, electroencephalography (EEG), and actigraphy.

1. Questionnaires: These tools are instrumental in gathering subjective data from caregivers about a dog's behavior. While they offer valuable insights, questionnaires are limited by their reliance on subjective observations and the potential for caregiver bias.

2. Electroencephalography (EEG): EEG provides objective, physiological data regarding brain activity. It's crucial for diagnosing seizure types and understanding their neurological underpinnings. However, its application is limited by the need for specialized equipment and expertise.

3. Actigraphy: This tool involves the use of activity monitors to track movement and behavior patterns. Actigraphy can offer objective data on a dog's activity levels, potentially correlating with different seizure phases. Its limitation lies in interpreting the data in the context of complex behaviors.

A Combined Approach for Future Research

The review suggests that a prospective combination of these tools—questionnaires, EEG, and actigraphy—could significantly enhance the objective classification and quantification of canine behavior in epilepsy. By integrating the subjective insights of caregivers with the objective data from EEG and actigraphy, researchers can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the behavioral aspects of canine epilepsy.

In conclusion, the intricate relationship between epilepsy and behavior in dogs necessitates a multifaceted approach in research. The combination of subjective reports and objective measurements holds promise for a better understanding and management of this condition, ultimately aiming to improve the quality of life for both dogs with epilepsy and their caregivers.

Read full study here https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2023.1211515/full