Retrospective characterization of idiopathic epilepsy in a referral population of Golden retrievers

The current study aimed at characterizing idiopathic epilepsy in a referral population of Golden Retrievers regarding signalment, seizure frequency, post-ictal signs, treatment response, survival time, and cause of death retrospectively. Data was extracted from medical records from two Scandinavian veterinary referral hospitals. Median survival time was calculated for the overall group and for male and female, respectively, using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and compared using the Log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test. The significance level was set at P value ≤ 0.05. In total, 32 Golden Retrievers were included. There was no statistical difference in prevalence between sexes overall (P value = 0.314), nor for dogs classified with ‘moderate’ seizure activity, defined as ≥1 episode of cluster seizures, or ‘severe’ seizure activity, defined as cluster seizures and ≥1 episode of status epilepticus (P value = 0.562). 21/32 dogs had cluster seizures, and 3/32 dogs had experienced status epilepticus and cluster seizures. Post-ictal aggression (n=10/32), confusion (n=10/32) and anxiety (n=9/32) were most common. 21/32 dogs received ≥2 anti-epileptic drugs. Median survival time was 1361 days, with no statistical difference between sexes (P value = 0.992). The primary cause of death was unsatisfactory seizure control (n=10/18). While our findings in this referral population may not be representative for all Golden Retrievers with idiopathic epilepsy, they underline a potential severe disease course in the breed, which calls for more effective treatment. Further, findings can aid clinicians in informing owners regarding expectations of disease progression.