Epilepsy affects a significant proportion of dogs, and evidence-based management can dramatically improve welfare outcomes for both dogs and their owners across the course of the disease.
Canine epilepsy management requires balancing seizure frequency against treatment side effects to optimize overall welfare. Seizures cause acute distress and carry injury risks, while frequent or severe post-ictal states cause prolonged suffering. Medication side effects including ataxia, polyphagia, sedation, and hepatotoxicity can substantially reduce quality of life. Evidence-based management involves regular monitoring with validated quality of life scales, dose adjustment based on welfare response, and client education about post-ictal welfare needs including quiet environments and close monitoring.