Canine versus human epilepsy: are we up to date?

Abstract

In this paper we analyse and compare features of canine and human epilepsy and we suggest new tools for better future understanding of canine epilepsy. The prevalence of epileptic seizures in dogs ranges between 0.5% and 5.7% and between 1% and 3% in the human population. Studies on human epilepsy provide a ready-made format for classification, diagnosis and treatment in veterinary epilepsy. Human studies highlight the value of a thorough seizure classification. Nevertheless, a matter of concern in canine epilepsy is the limited information regarding seizure description and classification because of the lack of EEG-video recording. Establishment of a consensus protocol for ambulatory home video-recording in dogs who suffer from epilepsy, mainly considering indications, duration of monitoring, the sufficient essential training for an optimal interpretation of ictal semiology and the methodology of recordings is needed. The ultimate goal is that the information gathered by these videos will be analysed to describe the epileptic seizures thoroughly, recognize patterns and move towards a better understanding and therefore classification of canine epileptic seizures.

Temporal behavior of seizures and interictal bursts in prolonged intracranial recordings from epileptic canines

“…Canine epilepsy is similar to human epilepsy in its epidemiology and spontaneity, and its response and resistance to therapy. 8,9 The similarities make canine models a promising animal model for testing new therapies, particularly neurodevices. In fact, vagus nerve stimulation was first shown to interrupt chemically induced seizures in a canine model.…”

Blood‐brain barrier dysfunction in canine epileptic seizures detected by dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging

“…These findings were further supported by colocalization of albumin, severe glial scarring, reactive astrocytes, and increased pSMAD2 in one dog, suggesting active TGF‐β signaling in an area where BBBD had been detected by linear DCE‐MRI. Little is known about epileptogenesis in IE dogs, but clinical manifestation and etiologies bear similarities to the condition in humans . Activation of TGF‐β, followed by increased intracellular pSMAD2, was described in experimental animals as a critical modulator pathway in the astrocytic response to serum albumin and a target for epilepsy prevention .…”

“…Little is known about epileptogenesis in IE dogs, but clinical manifestation and etiologies bear similarities to the condition in humans. 24,25 Activation of TGF-β, followed by increased intracellular pSMAD2, was described in experimental animals as a critical modulator pathway in the astrocytic response to serum…”

“…Naturally occurring canine epilepsy has been proposed as a translational platform for testing of new epilepsy treatments . It is widely accepted that epilepsy in dogs bears great similarity to the disease in people . Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disease in dogs, with about 20%‐30% of affected dogs refractory to available therapy and similarly to humans, it can be idiopathic or the result of a previous trauma, ischemic event, neoplasia, or inflammation .…”

“…22,23 It is widely accepted that epilepsy in dogs bears great similarity to the disease in people. 24,25 Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disease in dogs, with about 20%-30% of affected dogs refractory to available therapy and similarly to humans, it can be idiopathic or the result of a previous trauma, ischemic event, neoplasia, or inflammation. 24,26,27 To investigate in detail the occurrence of BBBD in naturally occurring epilepsy, a clinical approach for evaluation of neurovascular pathology is essential.…”