Case Report - Animal abuse by condition falsification in a dog with epileptic seizures caused by citalopram poisoning

Animal abuse by condition falsification so far has received little scientific attention. This particular form of animal abuse is characterized by an animal caretaker’s infliction of harm to an animal by feigning a condition with the purpose to get attention or sympathy from others, such as veterinary personnel. We report the case of a young dog with early onset and recurrent epileptic seizures in which post-mortem examination revealed citalopram poisoning. Red flags were in the early onset of the seizures in this dog in combination with previous dogs from the household also suffering epileptic seizures. This case report highlights the importance of considering animal abuse by condition falsification and the relevance of toxicological testing in suspected cases, as to prevent animal suffering and untimely death. • Animal abuse by condition falsification may be underpinned by laboratory testing. • Multiple dogs suffering epileptic seizures and early onset thereof, served as red flags for abuse. • Animal abuse by falsification may coincide with malingering, e.g. in the form of insurance fraud.