Neurology for Vets and Pets

In this episode, we cover the latest evidence for the use of a nutritional approach in the multimodal treatment of dogs with epilepsy. Evidence has emerged recently to suggest that dietary therapy may have a beneficial effect on seizure control. Efforts to develop nutritional treatment protocols to improve seizure control are ongoing and include medium-chain triglycerides, probiotics, vitamin B6, and omega-3 fatty acids.

This episode is supported by the Purina Institute. As a global professional organization, the Purina Institute shares Purina’s leading-edge research and evidence-based information from the wider scientific community in an accessible, actionable way, with a goal of empowering veterinary professionalsto put nutrition at the forefront of pet health discussions to further improve and extend the healthy lives of pets through nutrition. 

In this episode, we take an up-to-date look at the science behind the use of Hemp-derived CBD or cannabidiol for refractory epilepsy in dogs. The reasons for its efficacy, the dosing regimens advised, the clinical trials supporting its use, and the potential adverse effects are discussed for this novel adjunctive anti-seizure treatment.

Refractory epilepsy in veterinary medicine refers to a condition in which an animal with epilepsy fails to attain satisfactory seizure control or suffers intolerable side effects despite appropriate therapy with conventional anti-seizure drugs. Refractory epilepsy is an important problem in small animal practice as it occurs in approximately one-third of dogs with epilepsy. In this session, we discuss the reasons underlying this challenging situation in an individual patient and how this knowledge can help us develop improved therapeutic strategies.

In this final episode on emergency seizures, we discuss the step-by-step approach to therapy of status epilepticus in dogs and cats. The drugs we use are familar to use but new recommendations by the ACVIM have shed light on the time-based approach to the use of drugs based on their mechanisms of action and the underlying dynamic pathophysiology of the SE.

To read the ACVIM recommendations on the treatment of SE, click on this link https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10800221/

In this second part of our three-part series on emergency seizures, we discuss status epilepticus. This is a life-threatening emergency that we need to treat rapidly and often using a team approach. In this episode, we review what status epilepticus is, how common it is, what causes it, and what it can do to the body, along with initial management considerations.

In this first of three parts, looking at emergency seizures, we will discuss cluster seizures. These seizure events often require urgent investigation and therapy. We discuss what cluster seizures are, how common they are, and most importantly what strategies we can use to manage them both in the hospital and in the at-home environment.

For further reading on this topic after you've listened to this podcast, go to our website to dive into the epilepsy hub https://www.web-vetneurology.com/s-projects-basic-5

In this episode, we discuss two related anti-convulsants better known for their effect on neuropathic pain and anxiety in cats and dogs. However, there is some benefit of these drugs for seizure control in both species although there is not a lot of information to help us determine when we should consider their use and what to expect. Join us to find out what we do know and then see if you would consider using these drugs for one of your challenging cases.

Topiramate is not as well-known as an anticonvulsant as some of the other drugs that we have discussed. However, it has a potential role at least as an adjunctive medication and so we talk about what we know of its efficacy and safety in this episode. It seems that this is a safe drug at least in dogs and in the future may even have a role in the treatment of status epilepticus - so listen in and see what you think.

In this episode, we reflect on the use of newest of all veterinary anti-convulsants, imepitoin. Although available in Europe, it is not freely available yet in the USA but we need to be ready for it by understanding its administration, efficacy, and safety.

In this epsiode we look at the use of an extremely safe anti-seizure medication for epilepsy in both dogs and cats. We discuss how we use it, how it works and what to expect from it.