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Multifocal haemorrhages associated with Angiostrongylus vasorum infection were observed in the central nervous system of four dogs with neurological signs including depression, seizures, spinal pain and paresis. In magnetic resonance images the majority of the lesions were isointense or slightly hyperintense in T1-weighted images, hyperintense in T2-weighted images and hypointense in T2*-weighted (gradient echo) images, compatible with haemorrhages more than seven days old. Lesions were found in the brain of three of the dogs and in the spinal cord of two. The cerebrospinal fluid contained high concentrations of protein and evidence of erythrophagia. All the dogs had coagulopathy and pulmonary haemorrhage of varying severity. A vasorum larvae were detected in the faeces of each of the dogs. Neural A vasorum was confirmed at postmortem examination in two dogs.

BackgroundThe impact of epilepsy and its treatment on the quality of life (QoL) is considered an important part of treatment supervision in human epilepsy.ObjectivesTo develop a list of key questions evaluating QoL in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (IE) and their carers.AnimalsOne hundred fifty‐nine dogs with IE.MethodsCross‐sectional study. An online project questionnaire was developed containing 90 QoL‐associated questions that were initially allocated to 14 themes representing specific areas associated with the treatment and care of an epileptic dog. Principal component analysis was applied with the aim of refining the questionnaire to the least number of questions representing useful themes without loss of descriptive value. Carers were recruited by paper mail, primary practices, and canine epilepsy websites. Data were acquired from January to November 2011.ResultsPrincipal component analysis removed 54 questions, leaving 7 themes with 36 questions with a minimum Cronbach's alpha value of 0.7 indicating a good internal consistency: “Seizure severity and frequency”, “Adverse effects of antiepileptic drug (AED)”, “Restrictions on the carer's life”, “Frustrations over caring for a dog with IE”, “Carer distaste of AED adverse effects”, “Carer anxiety around the seizure event”, “Perceptions on rectal diazepam use”.Conclusions and Clinical ImportancePrincipal component analysis successfully reduced the number of questions without loss in descriptive value. The remaining questions correlate well with each other in capturing valuable details about aspects of QoL and represent valuable key questions (EpiQoL) in the assessment of QoL for the carers of dogs with IE.

10Quality of life (QoL) plays a significant role in the treatment of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy 11 (IE) yet is so far understudied. This study describes the outcome evaluation of an online 12 questionnaire based on the carer's perception focusing on 62 QoL-questions in 159 dogs with 13 IE. 14 Results showed that seizure frequency, but not seizure severity or presence of cluster seizures 15 was significantly associated with carer perceived dog's QoL. Dogs receiving third line 16 antiepileptic drugs had a significantly lower perceived QoL than those that did not. 17Generalised linear mixed model analysis demonstrated that severity of the side effects 18 sleeping more and ataxia were significantly associated with carer perceived dog's QoL, with 19 higher severities predicting lower QoL scores. The degree of carer acceptability of seizure 20 frequency and severity was significantly associated with the dog's reported seizure frequency 21 and severity. Moreover, there was a significant association between IE-related QoL changes 22 of the dog and the carer, with reductions in perceived canine QoL scores associated with 23 reductions in carer QoL, and vice versa. 24In conclusion, aspects of canine IE can affect both the carer and their dog's QoL. This has 25 implications for the management and requires consideration when treatment options and 26 outcomes are discussed. 27 28