The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) has published a Consensus Statement on the management of status epilepticus and cluster seizures in dogs and cats, led by veterinary specialists Marios Charalambous, Karen Muñana, Edward E. Patterson, Simon R. Platt, and Holger A. Volk. The Consensus Statement provides much-needed guidelines to veterinarians facing these complex and critical conditions.
Seizure emergencies in dogs and cats, precisely status epilepticus (SE) and cluster seizures (CS), are not only common but also present a substantial challenge due to their complex pathophysiology. These conditions are known for their rapid progression, resistance to drugs, and high rates of morbidity and mortality. Until now, treatment approaches have varied significantly, with no official guidelines in place. The primary goal of this statement is to establish evidence-based guidelines, creating a unified approach for effectively managing SE and CS in dogs and cats. The expert panel's recommendations are based on a moderate level of veterinary clinical evidence and pharmacokinetic data, as well as studies in humans and basic research studies.
The panel concludes that successful management of seizure emergencies in dogs and cats requires:
- An early, rapid, and stage-based treatment approach, utilizing interventions with moderate to high ACVIM recommendations.
- Addressing pathophysiologically-based treatment obstacles and preventing refractory stages through timely therapeutic intervention.
- Managing complications and underlying causes related to seizure emergencies.
To assist veterinarians, the Consensus Statement includes a therapeutic approach responsive to the SE stage, along with treatment algorithms for both SE and CS.
This Consensus Statement offers clarity and direction to veterinarians dealing with these challenging conditions in pets. The full Consensus Statement can be accessed at ACVIM Consensus Statement.