Canine epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders in dogs, and effective management requires balancing seizure control with minimizing medication side effects to protect quality of life.
A diagnosis of epilepsy raises complex welfare questions for dog owners and veterinarians. Seizures themselves are frightening and physically exhausting events, but the inter-ictal period — the time between seizures — is equally important for assessing quality of life. Dogs on long-term anticonvulsant medication may experience sedation, increased appetite, weight gain, and personality changes. Effective welfare management requires regular monitoring of medication levels, liver and kidney function, body condition, and behavioral wellbeing. Owners should be supported in using validated quality of life tools to make informed decisions about ongoing treatment and, when necessary, euthanasia.