Decoding Canine Paroxysmal Episodes

Presentation Description / Summary: Paroxysmal episodes in dogs often present a diagnostic puzzle. While generalised tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) are usually recognised with confidence, other episodic conditions, such as syncope, vestibular events, cataplexy, or paroxysmal dyskinesia, can appear strikingly similar. Overlapping features like collapse, altered awareness, changes in muscle tone, and autonomic signs make accurate classification challenging. Misinterpretation may lead to misdiagnosis, inappropriate therapy, and confusion for both clinicians and owners.

In this interactive session, we will step away from textbooks and dive into real-world video footage collected via our specialised clinical video software. Together with the audience, we will analyse and classify episodes using a structured, evidence-based approach. Attendees will be invited to vote on their interpretations, compare perspectives, and discuss why certain features matter more than others.

Key discriminating factors, including semiology, awareness, duration, autonomic involvement, treatment response, and natural history, will be highlighted. We will also explore the limitations of current classification systems and the need for a more consistent diagnostic framework.
By actively engaging in this video-based workshop, participants will strengthen their ability to distinguish epileptic seizures from non-epileptic paroxysmal events. The session aims to improve interobserver consistency, sharpen diagnostic accuracy, and ultimately support clearer communication with owners, more targeted treatment decisions, and more reliable prognostic discussions.

Join us for a highly interactive, case-driven session where we learn not just from the literature, but from each other.