Characterization of post-ictal clinical signs in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy: A questionnaire-based study

Background: Post-ictal (PI) clinical signs are a key defining stage of seizure manifestation in dogs. However, this phase remains poorly understood. Objectives: To further characterize PI signs and their relation to other parts of a seizure, and understand the owner's perception of how PI signs affect the quality of life (QOL) of the dog. Animals: Eight-seven dogs with a diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy from a single institution. Methods: The prospective questionnaire-based study surveying owners of dogs previously and newly diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy. Results: Post-ictal signs were identified in 79/87 dogs, 5/5 of dogs with focal seizures and 74/82 of dogs with generalized seizures. Median duration of PI signs was 30 minutes (range, 5-4320 minutes). The most common PI signs reported were disorientation (50/79) and wobbliness or clumsiness (49/79). Within a year, a change in PI signs was seen in 18/79 dogs. The administration of benzodiazepines was significantly associated with an increase in duration of PI signs (P = .04). Post-ictal signs had more impact on dogs' quality of life compared with ictal signs (P < .01). Groupings of co-existing PI signs identified included disorientation, blindness and deafness. Conclusion: Post-ictal signs are a commonly reported aspect of seizures in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy, both in focal as well as generalized seizures. Co-existence of signs could provide some valuable insight into the relevance of this particular phase of a seizure. Owner-reported signs and documentation emphasize the need for a better understanding of PI signs in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy.