Influence of idiopathic epilepsy on blood pressure and electrocardiography in dogs treated with phenobarbital

• Published in: Veterinary World 2024-02, Vol.17 (2), p.356-360
• Main Authors: Trevisan, Yolanda Paim Arruda, de Freitas, Maria Sabrina, de Freitas, Maria Natalia, Konrad, Jaqueline, Bortolini, Juliano, Schipiura, Ana Carolina, de Freitas, Ana Flávia Borges, Pazzini, Sarah Szimanski, de Almeida, Arleana do Bom Parto Ferreira, Sousa, Valéria Régia Franco
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: arterial hypertension; cardiac conduction; electrocardiogram; epileptic seizures; hemogasometry; tachycardia
• ISSN: 0972-8988; 2231-0916
• DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.356-360

Dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (IE) experience a shortened lifespan, neurobehavioral changes, and an increased risk of comorbidities during the interictal period. There have been several reports of sudden death in humans with epilepsy, suggesting changes in cardiac rhythm secondary to seizures. In veterinary medicine, there are still no such conclusive studies. The present study aimed to evaluate blood pressure values, electrocardiographic findings, and laboratory parameters in dogs with IE treated with phenobarbital and to correlate these findings with possible cardiac alterations. Twenty-one dogs were divided into 11 healthy dogs and 10 idiopathic epileptic dogs for blood analysis, computerized electrocardiogram, and oscillometer-based blood pressure measurement. QRS complex and S-T interval values differed significantly between groups, but blood pressure values were not significantly different. IE can occur with alterations in cardiac conduction and is a pathological condition.