In this anti-seizure medication specific episode of our podcast, we discuss the use of zonisamide in both dogs and cats. We focus on its practical use, efficacy and adverse effects. Join us to learn what to expect with this interesting option for epileptic treatment.

Potassium bromide is the oldest anticonvulsant used in veterinary medicine and so we know we can trust it and rely on its safety for the treatment of dogs with epilepsy. In this session, we delve into the use, efficacy, and associated adverse effects of this anti-seizure medication.

This episode is sponsored b⁠y PRN Pharmacal.

In this episode we begin to discuss the anti-seizure medications used for epilepsy in dogs and cats, starting with phenobarbital. Although this medication is the most effective anti-convulsant, it does require close monitoring on account of its adverse effects which in their early days can be reversible. We will discuss how to use this medication, how to monitor, and what to watch out for.

In this episode, we will delve into the important general aspects of anti-seizure drug use in cats and dogs. We will review 5 important questions -

1 – How aggressive should our diagnostic evaluation be?

2 – How should I choose a medication for my patient

3 - How long will it take for the drugs to work

4 – What monitoring should be done in the individual dog or

5 – How do I know when to add a second anti-seizure

Join us to listen to the answers to these questions which get us ready to begin the seizure therapy journey.

In this episode, we review why we need to consider medications for our epileptic pets and what indications there are to determine the most appropriate time to start the drugs. Owner and pet quality of life has to be our focus before and after starting medications and so as we will discuss, this becomes a joint decision-making process with the pet carers.

In this episode, we review the physical characteristics of seizure events and compare them to the most common 'mimics' of seizures. These include syncope, movement disorders, sleep disorders, and behavioral abnormalities. Understanding that a potential seizure event could actually be one of these mimics is important to the diagnostic workup and therapeutic decision-making.

To view some videos of movement disorders and read more, check out this link for our website.

https://www.web-vetneurology.com/s-projects-basic-4

In this second episode of our new series, we will discuss what questions to ask the carer of an epileptic dog or cat and why the questions are so important.

Download a sample seizure history form using this link:

https://www.purinainstitute.com/sites/default/files/2023-11/Epilepsy%20Questionnaire.pdf

In this first episode of our new series we will discuss what does idiopathic epilepsy mean, what causes it, how can we recognize it in practice and what does it mean for the affected patient.

This episode is sponsored by PRN Pharmacal.