Seizure Disorders in Goats and Sheep

Abstract

BackgroundGoats and sheep are more likely to be presented for examination for seizures than are cattle, possibly as a consequence of their relatively smaller body size. Currently, no reports describing seizure disorders in goats and sheep are available.ObjectivesTo describe clinical features and treatment outcomes of sheep and goats presented for seizures.AnimalsA total of 59 goats and 21 sheep presented for seizures.MethodsRetrospective study. Medical records from 1994 to 2014 at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California, Davis, were reviewed. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data. Logistic regression was performed to determine whether variables were associated with mortality.ResultsThe majority of seizures in goats and sheep had structural or metabolic causes. Polioencephalomalacia (PEM) secondary to ruminal lactic acidosis or PEM of undetermined cause was the most frequently diagnosed cause of seizures in goats and sheep. The proportions of mortality in goats and sheep were 49.2 and 42.9%, respectively. Age increased the odds mortality (odds ratio [OR], 1.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07, 2.14) in goats. Goats with structural or metabolic causes of seizures had higher odds for mortality (OR, 37.48; 95% CI, 1.12, 99.10) than those with unknown causes. Age and etiological diagnosis were not significant (P > .05) predictors of mortality in affected sheep.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceSeizure disorders in goats and sheep are associated with high mortality, despite treatment. Current treatment in goats and sheep with seizures warrants further investigation to determine whether treatments are beneficial or detrimental to survival.

Investigation of Known Genetic Mutations of Arabian Horses in Egyptian Arabian Foals with Juvenile Idiopathic Epilepsy

“…Electroencephalography and semiology of seizures have been used to define, classify, and distinguish seizures and epileptic syndromes in humans . Electroencephalography has been used as a diagnostic aid in dogs, cats, horses, and ruminants . Foals with JIE usually display paroxysmal activity (spikes, sharp waves, and complexes of multiple spikes and sharp waves) in the parietal and central regions with spread and generalization to other areas of the brain .…”

Letter to the Editor

“…I write to provide clarification to the recent JVIM publication on seizure disorders in goats and sheep by Chigerwe and Aleman 1. The authors are to be commended for this analysis, as reports of seizure disorders in large animal species are few.…”

Letter to the Editor

“…D ear Editor, Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the letter from Dr. Strain regarding our recent publication "Seizure disorders in goats and sheep". 1 We thank Dr. Strain for his insightful comments regarding our article. In his letter, Dr. Strain correctly pointed out the following statement in the abstract: "Currently, no reports describing seizures in goats and sheep are available."…”

“…Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the letter from Dr. Strain regarding our recent publication “Seizure disorders in goats and sheep” 1. We thank Dr. Strain for his insightful comments regarding our article.…”

“…We would like to respectfully refer Dr. Strain to the full statement in the abstract which states that: "Goats and sheep are more likely to be presented for examination for seizures than are cattle, possibly as a consequence of their relatively smaller body size". 1 The last part of the statement emphasizes that in clinical practice, owners are more likely to transport goats and sheep for clinical examination by veterinarians because they can be safely restrained during or after seizuring compared to cattle, due to their relatively smaller size. We respectfully argue that this statement should remain as it is, due to its important practical clinical relevance.…”