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Epileptic seizure in a cocker spaniel associated with hypocalcaemia, hypovitaminosis D and a protein‐losing enteropathy
Author(s) -
Woods Glynn Alan,
Willems Annelies,
Hurst Emma,
Mellanby Richard J
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
veterinary record case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.165
H-Index - 4
ISSN - 2052-6121
DOI - 10.1136/vetreccr-2019-000813
Subject(s) - hypocalcaemia , medicine , hypoallergenic , hypovitaminosis , protein losing enteropathy , enteropathy , gastroenterology , vitamin d and neurology , pediatrics , vitamin d deficiency , immunology , calcium , allergy , disease , allergen
Disturbances in calcium and vitamin D homeostasis can cause neurological disturbances. Protein‐losing enteropathies (PLEs) are an important cause of hypocalcaemia in dogs and can be associated with epileptic seizures. Hypocalcaemic epileptic seizures secondary to PLE has only been reported in Yorkshire terriers. This case report describes the presentatioon of an eight ‐year ‐old Cocker Spaniel that was referred following an epileptic seizure and diarrhoea. Biochemistry analysis revealed ionised hypocalcaemia, hypoalbuminaemia and severe hypovitaminosis D. Following diagnostic imaging, endoscopy and histological evaluation of intestinal biopsies, the dog was diagnosed with a PLE. Therapy included antibiotics, clopidogrel, hypoallergenic diet and immunosuppressive steroids, which resulted in the resolution of the diarrhoea and improved the hypocalcaemic and hypovitaminosis D abnormalities. Throughout the follow up period no more epileptic seizures were reported. The significance of this case is twofold. Firstly, that hypocalcaemia associated with PLE may cause neurological signs and secondly, that hypovitaminosis D associated with PLE can be improved following standard medical therapy alone.