Sarpekidou Ε. DVM, PhD Candidate, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Polyzois G. DVM, MSc, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Papageorgiou V. DVM, MSc, PhD Candidate, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Tzortzi I. DVM, MSc, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Polyzopoulou Z. DVM, PhD, Professor Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Kazakos G. DVM, PhD, Professor Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Introduction
The aim of the study was to retrospectively review cases of refractory status epilepticus (SE) that received isoflurane additional to the conventional antiepileptic drugs.
Clinical case
Thirteen dogs presented with refractory SE in the Companion Animal Clinic from February 2013 to March 2023 were included in the present study. Dogs received isoflurane, after unsuccessful SE termination with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and anesthetic drugs. Additionally, data about long term AEDs administration, AEDs administered during hospitalization, possible underline cause, median duration of isoflurane administration and median duration of hospitalization were collected
Results
Refractory SE was successfully terminated in all 13 dogs. 5/13 dogs were epileptic before admission and for 8/13 epileptic activity occurred for the first time. Diagnosis was available in 8/13 dogs and in 5/13 dogs the epileptic episode was characterized as cryptogenic. Median duration of the anesthetic cycle was 6.8 (4.0-13.0) hours and median duration of hospitalization in the intensive care unit (ICU) was 67 (48-120) hours. In all dogs, recovery was successful, and the dogs remained status free until ICU discharge.
Conclusions
The use of isoflurane may be beneficial in cases of refractory SE in dogs. However, prospective studies need to be conducted in order to strengthen this observation.
