Distribution and predictive factors of seizure types in 104 cases.
Authors: Lacombe V A, Mayes M, Mosseri S, Reed S M, Ou T H
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Seizure Classification in Equine Cases: What the Presentation Tells Us Whilst human and small animal medicine have long classified seizures into distinct categories to guide prognosis and treatment, equine veterinarians have lacked equivalent epidemiological data. This retrospective analysis of 104 cases established the distribution of seizure types in horses presenting to a referral hospital and identified clinical factors that predict whether seizures will be focal, generalised, or secondary generalised. The researchers reviewed clinical records, neurological examinations and diagnostic investigations, using univariable and multivariable logistic regression to identify associations between seizure type and patient characteristics including age, gender, seizure frequency and aetiology. Focal seizures predominated, accounting for 66% of cases (42% focal without secondary generalisation plus 24% secondary generalised), with primary generalised seizures in only 23%; notably, horses presenting with recurrent seizures were 3.7 times more likely to have focal seizures than those with single events, and seizure type was significantly associated with gender and seizure frequency but *not* with underlying aetiology. For equine practitioners, these findings suggest that seizure presentation—particularly the pattern of recurrence—offers predictive value independent of diagnosis, supporting a standardised classification approach that can inform clinical decision-making and discussions with owners about expected outcomes.
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Practical Takeaways
- •When evaluating horses with seizures, expect focal seizures to be the most common presentation; seizure type does not reliably indicate the underlying cause
- •Recurrent seizure patterns may help predict seizure classification, with recurrent cases more likely to present as focal seizures rather than primary generalised seizures
- •Clinical presentation alone cannot determine aetiology—diagnostic investigation remains essential regardless of seizure type observed
Key Findings
- •Focal seizures without secondary generalisation were most common, occurring in 42% of 104 horses with seizure disorders
- •Primary generalised seizures accounted for 23% of cases, while secondary generalised seizures represented 24%
- •Horses with recurrent seizures had 3.7 times higher odds of presenting with focal seizures compared to horses with non-recurring seizures
- •Seizure type was significantly associated with gender, seizure frequency, and hospitalisation occurrence, but not with underlying aetiology