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553372 
Journal Article 
Metabolic and toxic causes of canine seizure disorders: A retrospective study of 96 cases 
Brauer, C; Jambroszyk, M; Tipold, A 
2010 
1 
Veterinary Journal
ISSN: 1090-0233
EISSN: 1532-2971 
In Press, Corrected Proof 
2 
272-275 
English 
19939714 
A wide variety of intoxications and abnormal metabolic conditions can lead to reactive seizures in dogs. Patient records of dogs suffering from seizure disorders (n = 877) were reviewed, and 96 cases were associated with an underlying metabolic or toxic aetiology. These included intoxications by various agents, hypoglycaemia, electrolyte disorders, hepatic encephalopathy, hypothyroidism, uraemic encephalopathy, hypoxia and hyperglycaemia. The incidence of the underlying diseases was determined. The most common causes of reactive seizures were intoxications (39%, 37 dogs) and hypoglycaemia (32%, 31 dogs). Hypocalcaemia was the most frequent electrolyte disorder causing reactive seizures (5%) and all five of these dogs had ionised calcium concentrations [less-than-or-equals, slant]0.69 mmol/L. Eleven per cent of dogs with seizures had metabolic or toxic disorders and this relatively high frequency emphasises the importance of a careful clinical work-up of cases presented with seizures in order to reach a correct diagnosis and select appropriate treatment options. 
Epilepsy; Hypoglycaemia; Hypocalcaemia; Metaldehyde; Organophosphates