Epilepsy is the most common neurological condition in dogs, affecting up to 5% of the population. Modern management significantly improves quality of life but dogs with epilepsy still face significant welfare challenges.
Epilepsy welfare management requires balancing seizure control against drug side effects. Uncontrolled epilepsy causes repeated traumatic seizure events and the anxiety associated with them. Drug side effects including ataxia, sedation, and weight gain reduce quality of life between seizures. The post-ictal period, when dogs may be disoriented and distressed, represents a significant welfare burden that owners need to manage. Optimal management involves minimizing seizure frequency while maintaining good quality of life between events through careful drug selection and monitoring.