Association between estrus and onset of seizures in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy.

BACKGROUND: Catamenial epilepsy in humans is defined as changes in seizure frequency over the course of the menstrual cycle. Three hormonally based patterns of seizure exacerbation have been determined. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether there is an association between onset of seizures and the estrous cycle in intact bitches with presumptive idiopathic epilepsy and whether a pattern to the onset of seizures could be recognized. ANIMALS: Forty-five intact female dogs from a hospital population with a presumptive diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy. METHODS: In a retrospective study, the database of a small animal hospital in Sweden was searched for medical records of intact female dogs diagnosed with epilepsy or seizures. The stage of the estrous cycle as reported either by the owner or the veterinarian at the time of the first seizure was noted. RESULTS: Of the 45 dogs with idiopathic epilepsy, 17 (38%) had their first seizure when in heat and six dogs (13%) had their first seizure 1-3 months after heat. Nine dogs (20%) had seizures reoccurring in relation to their estrous cycle. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: These findings suggest an association between estrus and onset of seizures in intact bitches with presumptive idiopathic epilepsy. Two hormonally based patterns could be recognized: one during heat and one during a specific time point at the end of diestrus. This could be explained by the proconvulsive effects of estrogen or loss of protective effect against seizures of progesterone, respectively.

Clinical evaluation of 51 dogs treated conservatively for disc-associated wobbler syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical evolution and potential risk factors of 51 dogs treated conservatively for disc-associated wobbler syndrome. METHODS: Medical records of dogs treated conservatively for disc-associated wobbler syndrome were reviewed, and owners were contacted regarding clinical evolution and survival of their animals. Relationships between age, treatment before diagnosis, type of neurological signs, results of medical imaging and outcome were determined. RESULTS: Fifty-one dogs underwent conservative treatment for disc-associated wobbler syndrome. A successful outcome was achieved in 45 per cent (23 of 51) of the patients. Median follow-up period was 18.5 months, and median survival time was 47 months. In 85 per cent of the dogs in which euthanasia was performed because of disc-associated wobbler syndrome, this was carried out in the first year after diagnosis. Outcome score was influenced by type of neurological signs and additional radiographic and/or myelographic abnormalities. Outcome score was not significantly associated with age, number of protruded intervertebral discs, occurrence, type and results of treatment before diagnosis. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Conservative treatment of disc-associated wobbler syndrome is associated with a guarded prognosis. It can be considered in cases where all four limbs are not affected and no additional radiographic and/or myelographic abnormalities are detected.

Hemifacial spasm associated with an intracranial mass in two dogs.

Two dogs were presented with hemifacial spasm. Computed tomography images of both the dogs revealed an intracranial mass. In the first dog, a lesion at the level of the medulla oblongata was thought to cause primary irritation of the facial nucleus, with consequently permanent contraction of the ipsilateral facial muscles. In the second dog, a mass seemingly arising from the middle cranial fossa presumably isolated the facial motor neurons from upper motor neuron control, which resulted in hemifacial spasm as a result of loss of inhibitory interneuronal activity.