The First-Ever Consensus Statement on the Management of Status epilepticus and Cluster Seizures in Dogs and Cats has been unveiled.
A number of neurology specialists have written a statement containing guidance on the management of seizure emergencies. This is the first time such a statement has been written, which was headed up by Marios Charalambous, of Blaise Referrals, Birmingham.
Seizure emergencies (i.e., status epilepticus and cluster seizures), are common challenging disorders with complex pathophysiology, rapidly progressive drug-resistant and self-sustaining character, and high morbidity and mortality. The existing approaches to treatment have displayed significant divergence among clinicians - owing to the absence of standardized official directives - until the advent of this publication.
Comprising a select group of five distinguished specialists renowned in the field, the panel was convened to systematically evaluate and consolidate findings from peer-reviewed literature. Their primary objective was to formulate unified clinical recommendations by leveraging an amalgamation of existing evidence. Led by Chair Marios Charalambous and supported by Panelists Karen Muñana, Ned E. Patterson, Simon R. Platt, and Holger A. Volk, the statement's recommendations were founded upon a synthesis of prevailing evidence and extensive clinical expertise.
Dan Lewis, IVC Evidensia National Lead for Emergency & Critical Care and Niklas Kergknut, Lead Neurologist for IVC Evidensia are delighted that IVC Evidensia referrals is leading the way and offering guidance on what is commonly seen within primary care practice, and stated:
“Being presented with an actively seizuring animal can be incredibly stressful for owners and staff, with potentially dire consequences for our patients; decision-making under such circumstances is often very difficult, even for the most knowledgeable teams, and access to straightforward treatment guidelines can make a massive difference to how these cases progress. We are very proud that this consensus statement has been assembled by a panel of leading Neurology specialists under the leading of one of IVC Evidensia’s top Neurologists, Marios Charalambous from Blaise Referrals.”
Marios Charalambous, the Chair of the Consensus, Referral Neurology Consultant at Blaise IVC Evidensia, and Associate at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, expressed, "This Consensus Statement stands as the culmination of extensive endeavors aimed at addressing the management of complex yet frequently encountered neurological emergencies. Not only does the Statement provide universally applicable official guidelines for both primary and specialized clinicians, but it also introduces a novel perspective on the therapeutic approach to seizure emergencies, while highlighting potential avenues for future research in this domain."
Holger Volk, one of the Panelist contributing to the Consensus and Professor at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, commented, "This pioneering Consensus Statement represents a momentous advancement in enhancing the management of seizure emergencies in veterinary medicine, and I take great pride in having been a part of this endeavor."
The complete Consensus Statement and the associate material, including treatment algorithms, can be found online (see below):
Charalambous M, Muñana K,Patterson EE, Platt SR, Volk HA. ACVIM Consensus Statement on the management of status epilepticus and cluster seizures in dogs and cats. J Vet Intern Med. 2023;1‐22.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jvim.16928
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.16928