Quality‐of‐life aspects in idiopathic epilepsy in dogs

Abstract

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

A multicenter randomized controlled trial of medium‐chain triglyceride dietary supplementation on epilepsy in dogs

“…In addition to the QoL VAS, the impact from dietary supplementation on epilepsy and its treatment on the QoL of the dogs and their owners was assessed at the end of each dietary intervention period. A questionnaire based on the carer's perception of their dogs and their own QoL (epilepsy disease‐specific quality of life list of key questions = EpiQoL) was used to study QoL aspects and adverse effect profiles associated with MCT‐DS use 17,18 …”

“…In addition, behavioral and cognitive comorbidities occur in dogs with epilepsy, 11 such as anxiety 12,13 deficits in spatial memory, 14 or cognitive function 15,16 . Seizures, drug‐related adverse effects along with changes to behavior and cognitive capabilities all contribute to the reduction in quality of life (QoL) for both dogs and their owners 17‐21 . Hence, new treatment strategies should address all aspects of epilepsy to improve the overall welfare of dogs and their owners.…”

Clinical characteristics, breed differences, and quality of life in North American dogs with acute steroid‐responsive meningitis‐arteritis

“…The survey comprised a series of closed‐ended questions created with online survey software (©2018 Qualtrics, Provo, Utah) using an interval rating with a Likert‐type scale of 1‐5 or 1‐10 (Supporting Information S1). Although the survey was not formally validated for the study, it was designed to evaluate QoL‐associated themes and questions specific for SRMA in reference to published QoL questionnaires for dogs with other neurological disorders …”

Investigating the potential of the anti-epileptic drug imepitoin as a treatment for co-morbid anxiety in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy

“…Understanding whether using imepitoin in polytherapy with other AEDs leads to significant improvements in seizure frequency is of importance, as greater side effects were present in polytherapy patients in this study. Managing the balance of seizure control vs. the impact of side effects remains a challenge in the optimisation of quality of life in epilepsy patients [4, 51]. Exploring alternative management options, including dietary therapy, may be of benefit in the management of seizure activity and anxiety in dogs experiencing adverse effects of polytherapy.…”