Focal epilepsy with fear‐related behavior as primary presentation in Boerboel dogs

Abstract

Background Focal seizures with fear as a primary ictal manifestation, their diagnostic challenges, and impact on quality of life are well described in human medicine. Reports focusing on ictal fear‐like behavior in animals are scarce. Objective To describe the clinical and histopathological characteristics of a novel focal epilepsy in Boerboel dogs. Animals Five client‐owned Boerboel littermates presented for evaluation of sudden episodes of severe fear‐related behavior. Methods Clinical examination, complete blood cell count, routine blood biochemistry, and urinalysis were performed in all dogs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the brain were performed in 3 affected Boerboels. In addition, in 2 affected Boerboels, metabolic screening, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and necropsy were performed. Results Onset of signs was 3 months of age in all affected Boerboels. All Boerboels howled loudly, had an extremely fearful facial expression and trembled during seizures. All affected Boerboels also had autonomic or motor signs. Results of laboratory investigations, diagnostic imaging, and metabolic screening were generally unremarkable. Histopathology showed moderate numbers of single large vacuoles in the perikaryon of neurons throughout the brain, specifically in the deeper cerebral cortical regions. Family history, pedigree analysis, and the homogenous phenotype were suggestive of autosomal recessive inheritance. Conclusions and Clinical Importance The observed paroxysmal fear‐related behavior represents a newly recognized hereditary focal epilepsy in dogs with distinctive clinical and histopathologic features. Veterinarians should be aware that sudden episodes of unusual behavior can represent focal epilepsy.

Genome-wide association analysis of idiopathic epilepsy in the Belgian shepherd

“…In the published literature for canine epilepsy, there are many identified genes that regulate myoclonic epilepsy [ 2 ], and focal seizures associated with fear or aggression have also been considered hereditary in certain dog breeds, with suspected risk variants uncovered [ 27 , 28 ]. Only for the Lagotto Romagnolo [ 10 ] and the Rhodesian ridgeback [ 11 ] has a single gene influencing IE been identified.…”

Making the Case for Multi-Axis Assessment of Behavioural Problems

“…In a small study of abnormal behaviour in bull terriers [30], Dodman et al found that tail chasing, irrational fear, and unprovoked aggression were associated with abnormal electro-encephalogram results. In a short case series, Stassen et al identified paroxysmal episodes of acute fear and autonomic signs associated with focal seizures in Boerboel dogs with an onset of signs of three months [31]. In a survey of Groenendael and Tervueren dogs, 77.6% of those with epilepsy had focal seizures.…”

Correlation between automated volumetry of temporal lobes and electroencephalography in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy

“…Although most dogs included in the study showed generalised seizures, epilepsy can have different phenotypes, which may often be atypical, such as behavioural disorders, focal twitching, or brief loss of consciousness [4,23,24]. In a clinical setting, these episodes are often diagnosed as compulsiveobsessive or other behavioural disorders, and their differentiation, as well as con rmation of an epileptic background is made possible by EEG examination, which additionally allows us to localise the discharges.…”