Distribution and predictive factors of seizure types in 104 cases.

This research article is a study on seizures in horses, wherein the researchers examined the type and distribution of seizures, as well as possible predictive factors related to the occurrence of different seizure types in a sample of 104 horses.

Methods

• The study utilized a retrospective approach, analyzing the clinical records of 104 horses that were referred to a veterinary hospital due to seizure disorders.
• The records were reviewed for detailed clinical history, neurological assessments, diagnostic investigations, and whenever applicable, post mortem examinations.
• The various types of seizures were categorized in accordance with the definitions utilized in human and small animal neurology sectors.
• Enlisted clinical factors from the cases were subjected to both univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses to identify associations with different seizure types.

Findings

• The results showed that 23% of the horses experienced primary generalized seizures, 42% experienced focal seizures without progressing to secondary generalization, and 24% experienced secondary generalized seizures.
• However, for 11% of the cases, the type of the seizure could not be determined.
• Significant associations were found between the type of seizure and the following aspects: the horse’s gender, the frequency of seizures, and the incidence of seizures during hospitalization.
• Importantly, no significant association was found between the type of seizure and its underlying cause (aetiology).
• The logistic regression model revealed that horses with recurrent seizures were 3.7 times more likely to have focal seizures compared to those with non-recurring seizures.

Conclusions

• The majority of the seizures recorded in the study were identified as focal seizures either with or without secondary generalization.
• The type of seizures a horse experienced was not dependant on the underlying disease causing the seizure disorder.
• This emphasizes the importance and complexity of correctly identifying and classifying seizures in horses to inform treatment methods and improve clinical management.