Dog Epilepsy Management: Seizure Diaries and Drug Monitoring

Epilepsy in dogs requires lifelong medication and careful monitoring. Seizure diaries and regular drug level testing optimise control and minimise welfare impacts.

Key Facts

Idiopathic epilepsy affects 1-5% of dogs, with Border Collies and Labrador Retrievers at higher risk
Phenobarbital and potassium bromide are the most widely used first-line anticonvulsants
Drug level monitoring guides dose adjustment to achieve therapeutic concentrations
Cluster seizures and status epilepticus are welfare emergencies requiring immediate treatment
A seizure frequency of over 1 per month typically warrants treatment initiation

Welfare Considerations

Dogs experiencing frequent seizures suffer significant acute distress and post-ictal confusion. The cumulative effect of repeated seizures may cause progressive neurological deterioration in some cases. Anticonvulsant drugs have side effects including sedation, polyphagia and hepatotoxicity that require monitoring. A seizure diary recording date, duration, character and post-ictal period is essential for assessing control quality and guiding adjustments. Dogs with poorly controlled epilepsy experience reduced quality of life from both seizures and medication side effects that require careful balance.

What You Can Do

Keep a detailed seizure diary recording every episode including duration and character
Have phenobarbital blood levels checked 2-4 weeks after starting or changing dose
Monitor liver enzymes every 6 months for dogs on long-term phenobarbital
Have injectable diazepam or midazolam available at home for cluster seizures
Contact your vet immediately if a seizure exceeds 5 minutes or clusters occur within 24 hours