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. 2023 Jul 13:10:1198134.
doi: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1198134. eCollection 2023.

Survey of electroencephalography usage and techniques for dogs

Julia Luca  1 , Samantha McCarthy  2 , Thomas Parmentier  3 , Michal Hazenfratz  4 , Alex Zur Linden  1 , Luis Gaitero  1 , Fiona M K James  1
Affiliations

Survey of electroencephalography usage and techniques for dogs

Julia Luca et al. Front Vet Sci. .

Abstract

Background: Canine epilepsy is a chronic common neurologic condition where seizures may be underreported. Electroencephalography (EEG) is the patient-side test providing an objective diagnostic criterion for seizures and epilepsy. Despite this, EEG is thought to be rarely used in veterinary neurology.

Objectives: This survey study aims to better understand the current canine EEG usage and techniques and barriers in veterinary neurology.

Methods: The online Qualtrics link was distributed via listserv to members of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Neurology Specialty and the European College of Veterinary Neurology (ECVN), reaching at least 517 veterinary neurology specialists and trainees worldwide.

Results: The survey received a 35% response rate, for a total of 180 participant responses. Fewer than 50% of veterinary neurologists are currently performing EEG and it is performed infrequently. The most common indication was to determine a discrete event diagnosis. Other reasons included monitoring treatment, determining brain death, identifying the type of seizure or epilepsy, localizing foci, sleep disorders, for research purposes, and post-op brain surgery monitorization. Most respondents interpreted their own EEGs. Clinical barriers to the performance of EEG in dogs were mainly equipment availability, insufficient cases, and financial costs to clients.

Conclusion: This survey provides an update on EEG usage and techniques for dogs, identifying commonalities of technique and areas for development as a potential basis for harmonization of canine EEG techniques. A validated and standardized canine EEG protocol is hoped to improve the diagnosis and treatment of canine epilepsy.

Keywords: EEG technique; canine; electroencephalography; epilepsy; survey.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
(Q6): Frequency of EEG use for survey respondents.
Figure 2
Figure 2
(Q4): Years of experience in performing EEG.
Figure 3
Figure 3
(Q23): EEG recording duration.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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