Use of sedation‐awakening electroencephalography in dogs with epilepsy

Abstract

BackgroundElectroencephalography (EEG) recording protocols have been standardized for humans. Although the utilization of techniques in veterinary medicine is increasing, a standard protocol has not yet been established.HypothesisAssessment of a sedation‐awakening EEG protocol in dogs.AnimalsElectroencephalography examination was performed in a research colony of 6 nonepileptic dogs (control [C]) and 12 dogs with epilepsy admitted to the clinic because of the epileptic seizures.MethodsIt was a prospective study with retrospective control. Dogs with epilepsy were divided into 2 equal groups, wherein EEG acquisition was performed using a “sedation” protocol (IE‐S, n = 6) and a “sedation‐awakening” protocol (IE‐SA, n = 6). All animals were sedated using medetomidine. In IE‐SA group, sedation was reversed 5 minutes after commencing the EEG recording by injecting atipamezole IM. Type of background activity (BGA) and presence of EEG‐defined epileptiform discharges (EDs) were evaluated blindly. Statistical significance was set at P > 0.05.ResultsEpileptiform discharges were found in 1 of 6 of the dogs in group C, 4 of 6 of the dogs in IE‐S group, and 5 of 6 of the dogs in IE‐SA group. A significantly greater number of EDs (spikes, P = .0109; polyspikes, P = .0109; sharp waves, P = .01) were detected in Phase 2 in animals subjected to the “sedation‐awakening” protocol, whereas there was no statistically significant greater number of discharges in sedated animals.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceA “sedation‐awakening” EEG protocol could be of value for ambulatory use if repeated EEG recordings and monitoring of epilepsy in dogs is needed.