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.

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. 

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

• This course will outline the methodology followed to reach the consensus.
• This course will provide a brief summary of the pathophysiological mechanisms behind the emergency seizure disorders, in particular status epilepticus, with the aim to understand the rationale of specific interventions used.
• The management of status epilepticus and cluster seizures in dog and cats will be discussed in detail.
• The session concludes with an open question and answer session with all of the expert panel members. 

Consensus Statement Chair

Marios Charalambous, DVM, PgC, PgD, CSci, PhD, DACVIM (Neurology), DECVN, FHEA, MRCVS – Clinical and Research Associate, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover

Consensus Statement Panelists

Karen Muñana, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Neurology) – Professor, North Carolina State University

Ned Patterson, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (SAIM) – Professor, Internal Medicine, University of Minnesota

Simon Platt, BVM&S, FRCVS, DACVIM (Neurology), DECVN - Co-Head Vetoracle Teleneurology Service, Medical Director, Hallmarq Advanced Veterinary Imaging

Holger Volk, DVM, PGCAP, PhD, DipECVN, FHEA, FRCVS – Professor, Small Animal Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover

Moderator

Jill Narak, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Neurology) – Neurologist/Neurosurgeon, Huntsville Veterinary Specialists & Emergency

This program has been submitted for 1.5 hours of Live, Interactive continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize AAVSB RACE-approval.

Participants should be aware that some state boards have limitations on the number of hours accepted in certain categories and/or restrictions on certain methods of delivery of continuing education. Please contact your state board directly with any questions.

For additional questions, please contact us at Learning@ACVIM.org.