MANAGING EPILEPTIC DOGS

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurologic disorders of dogs. Becau se many dogs presented for evaluation of seizures are normal on examin ation and laboratory evaluation, the history can be an extremely impor tant component of the assessment. In addition, a thorough physical and neurologic examination as well as a laboratory profile is indicated i n any dog presented for evaluation of seizures. Although maintenance t herapy with antiepileptic drugs is the preferred treatment, seizures a re poorly controlled with medication in a substantial percentage of ca nine epileptics. Causes of ineffective management include the presence of an underlying disorder responsible for the seizures, insufficient client education, use of ineffective drugs, inadequate dose, and seizu res that are refractory to medication. This article discusses how to i dentify and avoid common causes of unsuccessful management of epilepti c dogs.