Companion Animals

Dog Epilepsy Management Welfare

Canine epilepsy affects 1-2% of dogs and causes recurrent seizures that are distressing and dangerous, with good management enabling many affected dogs to live good quality lives.

Key Facts

Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder in dogs
Seizures cause acute distress and can result in injury, hyperthermia, or death in cluster events
Phenobarbitone and potassium bromide remain first-line treatments with good efficacy
Newer drugs including imepitoin and levetiracetam offer additional options
Status epilepticus (seizures lasting over 5 minutes) requires emergency veterinary treatment

Welfare Considerations

Uncontrolled epilepsy causes repeated acute distress and risk of death. Good pharmaceutical management enables many epileptic dogs to lead comfortable lives.

What You Can Do

Seek veterinary assessment for any dog experiencing seizures without delay
Administer emergency diazepam for seizures lasting over 5 minutes as directed by your vet
Keep a seizure diary to support medication adjustment decisions
Monitor liver function regularly in dogs on phenobarbitone medication