Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dogs with seizures after liver shunt surgery treated with propofol
By Gommeren, Kris et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary emergency and critical care (San Antonio, Tex. : 2001)·2010·Department of Clinical Sciences·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Outcome from status epilepticus after portosystemic shunt attenuation in 3 dogs treated with propofol and phenobarbital.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Three dogs developed seizures after surgery to correct a liver condition called a portosystemic shunt (PSS). About two to four days post-surgery, they experienced status epilepticus, a serious type of seizure that wouldn't stop. After trying other medications without success, the vets used propofol and phenobarbital to control the seizures. Thankfully, all three dogs recovered well over the next week and were eventually taken off their seizure medications without any further issues.
People also search for: dog seizures after surgery · treatment for status epilepticus in dogs · propofol for dog seizures
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe outcome of treatment with propofol and phenobarbital for status epilepticus (SE) after portosystemic shunt (PSS) attenuation. CASE OR SERIES SUMMARY: Three dogs without preceding seizure activity, were diagnosed with a single extrahepatic PSS. Following standard preoperative medical therapy, an ameroid constrictor was placed surgically. Recovery was uneventful until spontaneous SE developed 46-96 hours after surgery. After unsuccessful seizure control with benzodiazepines, dogs were treated with a bolus of propofol followed by a propofol constant rate infusion. Phenobarbital was concurrently administered and supportive care was optimized. All dogs recovered uneventfully over the next 7-9 days. Over the following months phenobarbital was slowly tapered. All dogs have been free from antiepileptic drugs for several months, without recurrence of neurologic signs. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: In this case series, we describe the treatment of 3 dogs with propofol and phenobarbital for refractory SE following attenuation of a single congenital PSS. After weaning of the propofol constant rate infusion, and tapering and discontinuation of phenobarbital over the following months, all dogs experienced a complete recovery. This study provides evidence that use of propofol in combination with phenobarbital may be efficacious for management of SE in dogs after PSS surgery.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20636988/