Epilepsy is a common neurological condition affecting dogs, but our understanding of its true prevalence in the general canine population is still limited. A recent narrative literature review set out to explore the prevalence of epilepsy in primary care populations of dogs and examine how factors such as geography, culture, and socioeconomic status may influence the occurrence and management of this condition. The review highlighted the need for more standardized diagnostic practices and the importance of pet insurance in improving access to quality care for dogs with epilepsy.

Canine Epilepsy: A Complex Condition
Canine epilepsy is defined as a disease where the brain is prone to generating seizures, but diagnosing and managing the condition is not always straightforward. There are three recognized types of epilepsy in dogs: idiopathic epilepsy (IE), structural epilepsy (StE), and epilepsy of unknown cause (EUC). Diagnosis can be difficult due to inconsistencies in veterinary standards and differences between primary care and specialized referral practices. This leads to many cases going unrecognized or misclassified, adding to the complexity of understanding the true prevalence of epilepsy in dogs.

Gaps in Research and Diagnostic Inconsistencies
The review found that most studies on canine epilepsy have been conducted in referral populations, where dogs often have more severe cases of epilepsy. However, these populations do not represent the general dog population, making it difficult to estimate the true prevalence of epilepsy. In contrast, studies on primary care populations, which cover a broader range of cases, are rare. This lack of data from primary care settings limits the ability to make informed decisions about how common canine epilepsy really is.

Furthermore, the review found that diagnostic practices for epilepsy vary greatly between primary care and referral settings. While referral centers may have access to advanced diagnostic tools, such as MRI and electroencephalography (EEG), primary care veterinarians often lack these resources, leading to inconsistent diagnosis. The International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force (IVETF) has developed standardized diagnostic guidelines, but they are not always followed, particularly in primary care settings.

Geographic, Cultural, and Socioeconomic Influences
The review also highlighted how factors such as geography, culture, and socioeconomic status influence the diagnosis and management of epilepsy in dogs. For example, studies conducted in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan found variations in the prevalence of epilepsy, potentially due to differences in veterinary care access and cultural attitudes toward treatment. In Japan, for instance, cultural attitudes against euthanasia may result in dogs with epilepsy living longer compared to other countries where euthanasia is more common for severe cases.

Socioeconomic status also plays a crucial role in the management of canine epilepsy. In areas where pet insurance is less common or where veterinary care is expensive, dogs may receive fewer diagnostic tests and treatments, leading to underdiagnosis or less effective management of the condition. In contrast, in countries like Sweden, where pet insurance is more widespread, dogs are more likely to receive comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and treatments, improving their quality of life.

The Need for More Research and Standardization
The review concluded that more epidemiological research is needed, particularly in primary care and mixed populations, to better understand the true prevalence of canine epilepsy. Standardizing the use of IVETF guidelines in primary care settings would help improve the consistency and accuracy of epilepsy diagnoses, ensuring that more dogs receive appropriate treatment. Additionally, raising awareness of the benefits of pet insurance could help mitigate the financial burden associated with epilepsy care, making it more accessible to a broader population.

Conclusion
Canine epilepsy is a common yet poorly understood condition due to gaps in research and diagnostic inconsistencies. This review emphasizes the need for more studies in primary care settings and the importance of standardized diagnostic practices. Geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic factors play a significant role in how epilepsy is diagnosed and managed, and efforts to address these disparities will be key in improving the quality of life for dogs with epilepsy.

Read the full study here: Canine epilepsy/seizure occurrence in primary care and referral populations: a look into the epidemiology across countries