Behavioral changes in dogs associated with the development of idiopathic epilepsy

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to demonstrate behavioral changes with the development of epilepsy in dogs, a species proposed as a naturally occurring animal model for human epilepsy.MethodsOwners of dogs diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy (n = 80) completed a modified, previously-validated behavioral and seizure questionnaire. Principal axis factor analysis identified behavioral factors, the scores for which were compared before and after the development of epilepsy.ResultsDrug-naïve dogs showed an increase in the behavior factors Fear/Anxiety, Defensive Aggression, and Abnormal Perception. In dogs receiving antiepileptic medication, there were still increases in Fear/Anxiety and Abnormal Perception, but no longer in Defensive Aggression. Additional increases were observed in Abnormal Reactivity, Attachment Disorder, Demented Behavior, and Apathetic Behavior. Pharmacoresistant dogs had larger increases in Controlling Aggression, Abnormal Perception, and Demented Behavior than drug responders.ConclusionOur data suggest that dogs, like humans and rodents, exhibit neurobehavioral comorbidities with the development of epilepsy.

Research highlights
► Neurobehavioral comorbidity is seen in patients with epilepsy and in rodent models.
► Behavioral comorbidity was investigated in dogs with naturally occurring epilepsy.
► Behavioral changes were seen in dogs with the development of idiopathic epilepsy.
► The degree of behavior change was greater for dogs with pharmacoresistant epilepsy.