Inter-observer agreement of canine and feline paroxysmal event semiology and classification by veterinary neurology specialists and non-specialists.

Background: Advances in mobile technology mean vets are now commonly presented with videos of paroxysmal events by clients, but the consistency of the interpretation of these videos has not been investigated. The objective of this study was to investigate the level of agreement between vets (both neurology specialists and non-specialists) on the description and classification of videos depicting paroxysmal events, without knowing any results of diagnostic workup. An online questionnaire study was conducted, where participants watched 100 videos of dogs and cats exhibiting paroxysmal events and answered questions regarding: epileptic seizure presence (yes/no), seizure type, consciousness status, and the presence of motor, autonomic and neurobehavioural signs.

Public perception of epilepsy in dogs is more favorable than in humans.

Objectives: With the use of YouTube™, this study provides results on both the demographics and public perception for a sample of videos of canine epilepsy.

Methods: A random sample of 150 videos was collected, the uploader description was recorded, and viewers' comments were coded according to their emotional and informational content.

Results: More comments were found to be sympathetic than derogatory, and there were more information-providing than information-seeking comments.