Idiopathic epilepsy is one of the most common chronic neurological conditions in dogs, and effective seizure management significantly improves quality of life for both affected dogs and their owners.
Epileptic seizures cause acute welfare suffering — during and immediately after a seizure, dogs are confused, disoriented, and may be temporarily blind or distressed. Post-ictal periods of confusion lasting minutes to hours are frightening for both dog and owner. Frequent uncontrolled seizures significantly impair quality of life — dogs may be hesitant to exercise or play if postictal periods are prolonged or frequent. Good seizure control through appropriate medication dramatically improves welfare — well-controlled epileptic dogs live full, active lives. Cluster seizures and status epilepticus are life-threatening emergencies requiring emergency medication (rectal diazepam or buccal midazolam) that owners should be trained to administer at home.