Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Idiopathic epilepsy in dogs and cats.
- Journal:
- The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice
- Year:
- 2010
- Authors:
- Thomas, William B
- Affiliation:
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences · United States
Plain-English summary
Idiopathic epilepsy is a common brain condition seen in both dogs and cats. To manage it effectively, it's important to get a correct diagnosis and use the right medications. For dogs, the first treatment options are usually phenobarbital or bromide, while phenobarbital is preferred for cats. There are also newer medications like zonisamide and levetiracetam that tend to have fewer side effects and are becoming more popular among veterinarians. Most pets respond well to treatment, which helps them live a good quality of life.
Abstract
Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common brain disease in dogs and also occurs in cats. Optimal management entails an accurate diagnosis and appropriate drug therapy. In dogs, either phenobarbital or bromide is appropriate as initial therapy. Phenobarbital is the drug of choice for cats. Several other drugs including zonisamide and levetiracetam have the advantage of fewer side effects and are being increasingly used in veterinary medicine. Treatment is successful in most cases, allowing the pet and client to enjoy a good quality of life.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19942062/