Shocking Post-Ictal Symptoms in Dogs with Epilepsy That Every Vet Needs to Know About
Seizures are a terrifying experience for dogs and their owners, but the aftermath—the post-ictal (PI) phase—can often be just as puzzling and alarming. In a groundbreaking study led by Aran Nagendran, Julie A. Nettifee, Dani Carter, and Karen R. Muñana, a deep dive into the post-ictal signs in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy reveals surprising details that could change the way we understand and manage epilepsy in our pets.
Study Overview: What Happens After the Seizure?
Post-ictal signs are the behaviors and symptoms that appear after a dog has a seizure. While many owners focus on the seizure itself, the recovery phase is crucial to understanding the full impact of epilepsy on a dog’s health. This prospective study surveyed 87 dogs diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy to characterize the post-ictal phase and explore its effect on the dog’s overall well-being.
Key Findings: The Impact of Post-Ictal Signs on Dogs
Of the 87 dogs included in the study, 79 dogs exhibited post-ictal signs, including dogs with both focal (localized) and generalized (widespread) seizures. The most common PI signs were disorientation and wobbliness, seen in 50 and 49 dogs, respectively. These signs can range from mild to severe, lasting anywhere from 5 minutes to a shocking 72 hours, with the median duration being 30 minutes.
Interestingly, the study also noted that 18 dogs exhibited changes in their post-ictal signs within a year, suggesting that the nature and severity of these signs can evolve over time.
Surprising Impact: Post-Ictal Signs and Quality of Life
One of the most significant findings of the study is how post-ictal signs affect the dog's quality of life (QOL). Owners reported that the impact of post-ictal signs was far greater than that of the seizure itself. While seizures are distressing, the lingering effects of disorientation, blindness, or clumsiness seem to have a more lasting negative impact on the dog's ability to function normally. This shift in focus highlights the importance of managing the post-ictal period for the long-term well-being of epileptic dogs.
Benzodiazepines and Their Role in the Post-Ictal Phase
An unexpected finding was the role of benzodiazepines in increasing the duration of post-ictal signs. Dogs that were treated with these medications showed a significantly longer duration of PI symptoms, which raises questions about their effectiveness and potential side effects when managing seizures in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy.
Understanding Co-Existing Post-Ictal Signs
The study also explored the grouping of co-existing post-ictal signs, which included combinations of disorientation, blindness, and deafness. These overlapping symptoms can offer valuable clues for veterinarians in assessing the severity and progression of epilepsy in dogs, providing a more comprehensive understanding of this complex condition.
The Need for Greater Focus on Post-Ictal Signs
While much attention is paid to the seizure itself, post-ictal signs are just as important when it comes to understanding the full impact of idiopathic epilepsy on dogs. This study underscores the need for greater awareness of PI signs and their influence on a dog’s life. For owners, recognizing and documenting these signs is crucial in ensuring the best care and management for their pets.
As this study demonstrates, post-ictal signs aren’t just a footnote to the seizure event—they are an essential part of the overall epilepsy experience for dogs, and improving our understanding of them can lead to better management strategies, improved quality of life, and a deeper compassion for these affected animals.
