Published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, this pilot study addressed a major challenge in canine neurology and behavior research: the lack of objective, real-world methods for measuring brain activity and behavior in dogs, particularly those affected by idiopathic epilepsy.
Idiopathic epilepsy is a common neurological disorder in dogs and is frequently accompanied by behavioral comorbidities such as aggression, anxiety, and fear. These behaviors may be linked to pre-ictal, post-ictal, or interictal states, seizure triggers, or subtle focal seizure activity. Differentiating among these possibilities is difficult due to overlapping behavioral presentations and the absence of continuous physiological monitoring in natural environments.
The aim of this study was to test whether a combined technology approach—integrating wireless video-EEG, actigraphy, and caregiver-completed questionnaires—could be successfully implemented in dogs’ home settings for extended recording periods.
A convenience sample of 10 community-owned dogs was fitted with wireless EEG and actigraphy devices for up to 48 hours in their homes. Caregivers completed three detailed questionnaires, totaling up to 137 questions, describing their dog’s daily behavior, routines, and habits during the recording period.
Results showed that 6 of the 10 dogs successfully completed a minimum of 24 hours of combined EEG and actigraphy recording. These findings demonstrate that prolonged, non-laboratory neurophysiological monitoring is feasible in real-world home environments, despite variability in dog tolerance and household conditions.
The authors conclude that this study provides a critical proof of concept for future large-scale, prospective research. In-home EEG and actigraphy could significantly improve the classification of canine behavior, enhance seizure detection, and reduce caregiver burden by enabling more accurate diagnosis and management of epilepsy-related behaviors.
Source: Folkard, E., McKenna, C., Monteith, G., Niel, L., Gaitero, L., & James, F. M. K. (2024). Feasibility of in-home electroencephalographic and actigraphy recordings in dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. Published January 8, 2024.
