Canine epilepsy causes distressing seizures affecting both dogs and their owners. Effective anticonvulsant therapy significantly reduces seizure frequency and improves long-term welfare.
Epilepsy welfare extends beyond the seizure itself. The peri-ictal period — before, during, and after a seizure — involves genuine distress: pre-ictal anxiety, loss of consciousness and control during the seizure, and post-ictal confusion and fear. Owners witnessing seizures often experience significant distress themselves, affecting their capacity to provide calm care. The goal of anticonvulsant therapy is not merely reducing seizure count but improving the quality of inter-ictal life — ensuring dogs are cognitively engaged, comfortable, and experiencing positive interactions between episodes. Some anticonvulsants cause sedation and cognitive effects that themselves impact welfare; therapy optimisation balances seizure control against medication side effects.