How to manage cluster seizures in dogs

Most vets will only begin treatment if your dog has had. Phenobarbitone Diazepam Valium or Gabapentin.

Goals of seizure management.

How to manage cluster seizures in dogs. The use of an interval or pulsed oral dosing regimen of levetiracetam can be used as in the treatment of at-home cluster seizures. If the animal is already on phenobarbital a higher dose of levetiracetam is advised more than 20mgkg Packer et al 2015. Your vet may also recommend supplements or a change in diet to help manage your dogs seizures.

For dogs prone to cluster seizures your vet may prescribe a medication for you to administer at home to stop a seizure when it happens. How long can a dog live with seizures. How to Treat Cluster Seizures in Dogs.

Medication will be prescribed by your veterinarian in order to treat a dog that is experiencing cluster seizures but there are also a few things you can do at home to help care for your pet. If you happen to notice your dog having a seizure you can spring into action if necessary. Make sure your dog isnt near anything sharp or close to stairs.

You cant be sure if its a one-off or if its the precursor to cluster seizures. In dogs any seizure should be considered an emergency. If your dog is prone to cluster seizures the condition can usually be managed with medication.

However its vital that you get a proper diagnosis. Non-intravenous benzodiazepine treatment for at home cluster seizures in dogs. Complimentary or alternative therapy is becoming more in vogue as owners are looking desperately for non-pharmaceutical options to help their pets.

Examples include use of cold therapy eg ice on head and back inducing ice cream headaches acupressure points and non-pharmaceutical cannabidiol. Seizures may be prevented and controlled by administering anti-convulsive medication such as Phenobarbital primidone diazepam phenytoin or potassium bromide. However the cause of the cluster seizures must be established.

The emergency treatment for cluster seizures contains diazepam Phenobarbital or propofol. Benzodiazepine drugs used in dogs with seizures include diazepam midazolam clorazepate and clonazepam3 In general they are not recommended for chronic administration in dogs due to tolerance and the tendency for the seizures to become refractory39 The author has found the use of oral clorazepate pulse therapy Table 1 to be effective in some dogs with cluster seizures. The first line treatment in dogs is Phenobarbitone or Potassium Bromide may be prescribed as Potassium Bromide syrup Epilease capsules Libromide capsules and for cats.

Phenobarbitone Diazepam Valium or Gabapentin. Track how long the seizure lasts because a seizure can cause your dog to overheat. If it continues for more than 2 minutes turn on the ceiling fan or place a portable fan near him to cool him down.

Soak a cloth in cold water and hold it to his paws. Some reasonable guidelines for seizure management are to. Use one medication at a time Choose medications with best efficacy lowest costdosing interval fewest side effects and lowest risk of toxicity.

Table 3 lists AEDs in the order they are used by most neurologists in our clinic1119. Seizures may be avoided and controlled by administering anti-convulsive medication such as Phenobarbital primidone diazepam phenytoin or potassium bromide. However the reason for the cluster seizures must be developed.

The first aid for cluster seizures contains diazepam Phenobarbital or propofol. The vet may likewise recommend fluid therapy. After a seizure your dog will be confused and scared.

Dont try to touch or approach the canine right away as it might exhibit aggressive behavior. Let the canine approach you by calling its name. After that wrap your dog with a blanket once it seems to be back on its normal self.

While the odds of a dog completely recovering from epilepsy or cluster seizures may be low with therapy medication and management most dogs can live happy and healthy lives. If your dog has a history of cluster seizures then youre going to have to keep an eye on him. Be alert to any change in his blood pressure heart rate breathing mental status fluid intake and salivation.

There are a number of medications that can be used to treat cluster seizures in dogs. Most commonly valium or phenobarbital are used. There are also other medications that can be used if.

Goals of seizure management. The primary goal of management is a good quality of life. To balance the effects of the seizures and the side effects of the medications with the pets wellbeing.

For most patients this means less than one seizure every three months no clusters no status events minimal side effects from medications minimal. To best treat your dogs seizures your vet will want to know about any seizure history. Keep track of your dogs seizure history.

Write down the information date it and store it with your pets medical records. Most vets will only begin treatment if your dog has had. Controlling cluster seizures in Springer.

Mike I came across your web site some time ago when I was researching some problems my dog was having. I think you provide a wonderful service to pet owners and now Ive become a subscriber. I have a 14 year old female springer spaniel who is again having problems.

Its also important to discuss the dangers of additional or cluster seizures affecting the seizure threshold and how compliance is important to manage the seizures. Reassuring the pet owner that their dogs personality is not going to change is important while also reassuring them that the anticonvulsant therapy side effects are typically short-lived eg several days to weeks and may.