Epilepsy in veterinary patients: perspectives of Dutch veterinarians in first-line practice

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the perspectives of veterinarians in first-line practice on confidence and satisfaction regarding several important aspects of the description, diagnosis and treatment of canine patients with epilepsy. METHODS: A web-based questionnaire was used, focussing on general aspects of canine epilepsy, diagnostic tests, treatment and communication with owners. RESULTS: One hundred and two questionnaires were evaluated. No less than 73 per cent of veterinarians had performed euthanasia on one or more patients with epilepsy as the main reason. First-line veterinarians scored confidence on general aspects of epilepsy as 6 or 7 out of 10. Confidence regarding communication with owners was scored 7 or 8 out of 10. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides insight into perspectives of Dutch veterinarians in first-line practice regarding canine epilepsy. Several results may provide reasons to adjust (pregraduate or postgraduate) education of veterinarians with regard to management of canine patients with epilepsy. Several factors (such as the importance of diagnostic imaging) may help specialists in the field communicate better with referring veterinarians so that first-line practitioners become better equipped in managing patients with epilepsy. These steps may then positively influence treatment results as well as care-giver burden for the first-line practitioner.