Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Midazolam drip to stop seizures in dogs with cluster seizures
By Bray, Kathryn Y et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2021·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Continuous rate infusion of midazolam as emergent treatment for seizures in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 106 dogs experiencing cluster seizures or status epilepticus (a prolonged seizure) were treated with a continuous rate infusion of midazolam, a medication that helps control seizures. About 77% of these dogs had their seizures successfully managed with this treatment, with a median infusion time of 25 hours. Dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (seizures with no known cause) had a higher survival rate compared to those with structural epilepsy. While some dogs experienced mild side effects, the treatment was generally safe and effective for controlling seizures.
People also search for: dog seizure treatment · midazolam for dogs · cluster seizures in dogs · status epilepticus in dogs · dog epilepsy medication
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Midazolam delivered by continuous rate infusion (CRI) might be effective in dogs with cluster seizures (CS) or status epilepticus (SE). OBJECTIVE: To describe the use and safety of midazolam CRI in dogs with CS or SE. ANIMALS: One-hundred six client-owned dogs presenting to a veterinary teaching hospital with CS or SE. METHODS: Retrospective review of medical records for dogs with CS or SE treated with a midazolam CRI. RESULTS: Seventy-nine dogs presented with CS and 27 dogs had SE. Seizure control was achieved in 82/106 dogs (77.4%) receiving a midazolam CRI. The median dose associated with seizure control was 0.3 mg/kg/h (range, 0.1-2.5 mg/kg/h). The median duration of CRI was 25 hours (range, 2-96 hours). Seizures were controlled in 34/40 dogs (85%) with idiopathic epilepsy, 32/43 dogs (74%) with structural epilepsy, 12/16 dogs (75%) with unknown epilepsy, and 4/7 dogs (57%) with reactive seizures (P = .20). Seizure control was achieved in 81% of dogs with CS and 67% in dogs with SE (P = .18). Dogs with idiopathic/unknown epilepsy were more likely to survive than those with structural epilepsy (87% vs 63%, P = .009). Adverse effects were reported in 24 dogs (22.6%) and were mild in all cases. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Midazolam CRI is apparently safe and might be an effective treatment in dogs with CS or SE.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33325618/