Risk factors associated with short-term mortality and recurrence of status epilepticus in dogs

Abstract

Background: Status epilepticus (SE) is an emergency associated with serious consequences for both patient and owner. Data regarding risk factors for short-term mortality or recurrence in dogs with SE is limited.

Objective: Identify risk factors associated with short-term mortality (euthanasia or spontaneous death) and recurrence of SE in dogs.

Animals: One hundred twenty-four client-owned dogs that sustained an episode of SE.

Methods: Retrospective multicenter study using data collected from medical records of dogs presented in SE to the contributing institutions. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed using a manual backwards stepwise approach to identify risk factors associated with short-term mortality and recurrence of SE after discharge.

Results: Short-term mortality for affected dogs was 29.8%. Factors significantly associated with short-term mortality included increased patient age, shorter duration of hospitalization, development of SE before arrival, and SE caused by a potentially fatal etiology. Status epilepticus recurred in 27% of dogs that survived to discharge. Factors significantly associated with recurrence of SE included prior history of pharmacoresistant epilepsy and predominance of a focal seizure phenotype.

Conclusions and clinical importance: Our results may be used to inform clinicians and dog owners regarding risk factors for both short-term mortality and recurrence in dogs with SE.

Keywords: canine; epilepsy; outcome; seizures.