Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions in dogs, affecting approximately 1-2% of the canine population. Management of seizures and their post-ictal effects is central to the long-term welfare of affected dogs.
Dogs with epilepsy experience the acute distress of seizure activity and the prolonged disorientation, anxiety, and fatigue of the post-ictal period. Chronic antiepileptic medication carries its own welfare costs: phenobarbitone causes sedation, polyphagia, and liver toxicity with long-term use. Quality of life assessments for epileptic dogs must weigh seizure frequency and severity against medication side effects. Owners play a critical role in welfare through seizure diary maintenance, recognition of pre-ictal warning signs, and having emergency protocols and rectal diazepam or buccal midazolam ready for cluster seizures.