Electroencephalography evaluation of cerebral bioelectric activity in dogs with babesiosis

Abstract

Canine babesiosis is a parasitic disease characterized by a cluster of clinical signs like: hemolytic anemia, jaundice, secondary nephritis, and occasionally neurological disorders and gastroenteritis. The aim of the current study is to describe short time electroencephalographic (EEG) changes in dogs with babesiosis presenting neurological signs. EEG examination was performed on 6 dogs diagnosed with babesiosis and showing neurological signs (incoordination, paresis, paralysis, muscle tremor, nystagmus, loss of consciousness, tonic-clonic epileptic seizures and coma). EEGs were obtained via five subdermal stainless steel needle electrodes (F3, F4, O1, O2, Cz) placed as described by Redding (1978). The parameters used for each electroencephalographic recording were: sensitivity = 70μV/cm; time constant = 0.3 seconds; Hf = 70 Hz; Lf = 0.5 Hz; notch filter inserted; impedance of all electrodes < 10 kΩ. The results of the present study revealed an EEG background activity characterized by the presence of the theta and delta rhythms, while alpha and beta waves were less encountered. In contrast with these the background activity showed an intersection of epilpeptiform interictal discharges (DIE) like: fast spike and atypical spike-wave complex in 2 cases, slow waves in 3 dogs and polyspikes just in one case.