Epilepsy affects approximately 1% of dogs and the welfare of epileptic dogs depends on seizure frequency control, minimising post-ictal suffering, and owner management of emergency situations.
Epileptic dogs experience welfare suffering both during seizures and in the post-ictal period of confusion, disorientation, and anxiety that can last hours. The unpredictability of seizures creates chronic owner anxiety and can affect dog quality of life through activity restriction. Good seizure control with appropriate anticonvulsant therapy dramatically reduces seizure frequency and the associated welfare costs. Owner education on emergency management including rectal diazepam for prolonged seizures directly prevents life-threatening status epilepticus. Specialist veterinary neurology assessment improves outcomes for dogs with refractory epilepsy who do not respond to first-line treatment.