A panel of 5 neurology experts in the field was formed to assess and summarize evidence in the peer reviewed literature regarding the management of emergency seizure disorders, i.e., status epilepticus and cluster seizures, in dogs and cats. The evidence was complemented with consensus clinical recommendations. Evidence from basic research studies on animals and human medicine was also used to support the panel´s recommendations, especially for the interventions where veterinary clinical evidence was lacking. The majority of the evidence was on the first-line management, i.e., benzodiazepines and their various administration routes, in both species. Overall, there was little evidence on the management of emergency seizure disorders in cats in contrast to dogs. This course summarizes the findings of the consensus group.

This webinar will have 5 panelists summarizing our clinical recommendations during this 60-minute presentation, followed by a 30-minute Q&A where you will have an opportunity for comments/questions, which the panel will consider prior to publication.

  • A review of the process for development of this consensus statement will be presented
  • Key literature informing various recommendations will be discussed
  • Discussion and recommendations will center on evaluation of published veterinary clinical literature
  • Panel recommendations will be articulated, along with supporting research
  • Areas for future exploration will be highlighted
  • The session concludes with an open question and answer session with all of the expert panel members.

Learning Objectives

By the end of your course, attendees will be able to:

  1. Understand the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to the initiation and self-sustaining character of the emergency seizure disorders, in particular status epilepticus.
  2. Understand the rationale on why specific interventions and treatment guidelines are proposed for the successful management of the emergency seizure disorders.
  3. Summarize the various administration routes of the interventions used, in particular benzodiazepines, and acknowledge each route´s advantages and disadvantages.
  4. Establish an evidenced-based management plan for a dog and cat with status epilepticus and cluster seizures.

RACE Application Status
This program has been submitted for 1.5 hours of live, interactive distance medical continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize AAVSB RACE-approval.