Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with vomiting and jaundice after zonisamide for epilepsy
By Schwartz, Malte et al.·Published in The Journal of veterinary medical science·2011·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Possible drug-induced hepatopathy in a dog receiving zonisamide monotherapy for treatment of cryptogenic epilepsy.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 9-year-old female spayed Rottweiler started experiencing vomiting, loss of appetite, and yellowing of the skin after being treated with zonisamide for epilepsy. Blood tests revealed high liver enzyme levels, indicating liver damage, and the vet suspected the medication was causing this issue. The zonisamide was stopped and replaced with potassium bromide, along with supportive treatments like fluids and anti-nausea medications. Fortunately, the dog fully recovered, and follow-up tests showed her liver function returned to normal within eight weeks.
People also search for: dog vomiting after medication · Rottweiler liver problems · zonisamide side effects in dogs
Abstract
A 9-year old female spayed Rottweiler was diagnosed with cryptogenic epilepsy and started on zonisamide monotherapy (8.3 mg/kg, PO, q 12 hr). Three weeks after the 1st dose of zonisamide the dog presented for vomiting, inappetence and icterus. Serum biochemistry showed marked elevation of liver enzymes, consistent with hepatocellular damage and cholestasis. No underlying cause for liver disease was identified and a drug-induced hepatopathy was suspected. Zonisamide was discontinued and replaced by potassium bromide. Supportive therapy consisted of intravenous fluids, antiemetics, antibiotics and hepatoprotectants. The dog made a complete recovery and serial serum biochemical examinations showed complete normalisation of liver parameters 8 weeks after discontinuation of zonisamide. Based on a human Drug-induced Liver Injury Diagnostic Scale, the likelihood for zonisamide-induced hepatopathy was classified as "possible". Veterinary practitioners and owners should be educated about the potential for an idiosyncratic drug reaction to zonisamide. If signs of hepatotoxicity are recognised early and zonisamide is discontinued, complete recovery is possible.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21720107/