What is Canine Epilepsy?

Canine Epilepsy is one of the most common ailments. There is usually no obvious cause and seizure threshold is simply decreased. However, genetic predisposition is suspected in German Shepherds, Belgian Tervurens, Keeshonds, Beagles, Dachshunds, Labrador Retrievers, Shetland Sheepdogs, Irish Wolfhounds, Bernese Mountain Dogs and English Springer Spaniels. Onset typically occurs between 6 months to 3 years of age but may appear later. Typically the younger the onset the more refractory epilepsy is to the therapy. The prognosis is good in treated dogs that have less than 1 seizure every 12-16 weeks. Treatment of epilepsy requires commitment of both time and money by owners.

Are there any treatment options?

There are treatment options. The anticonvulsant therapy is initiated when the seizure interval is less than 12-16 weeks. Seizures begin to cluster, Canine experience atleast one episode of Status Epilepticus (series of seizure or continuous seizure lasting 5 minutes or longer). Phenobarbital, Potassium Bromide, Zonisamide, Levetiracetam and Gabapentin are most common medications used for treatment of Canine idiopathic epilepsy.

How can Veterinary Compounding Pharmacist at San Jose Compounding help?

Veterinary compounding pharmacists at San Jose Compounding are trained in pharmacotherapeutics and pharmacokinetics of veterinary mediations. Medications for treatment of Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy may have to be compounded due to very high alcohol content in commercially available formulations (eg Phenobarbital) or unpalatable taste of commercially available Levetiracetam (Dolicocephalic like German Shepherds have keener olfactory ability and chances are they may reject the medication) or Xylitol in commercially available Gabapentin (Xylitol could potentially be lethal to canines). We also keep atomizers for emergency management of Status Epilepticus and Cluster Seizures. Midazolam when atomized intranasally has better bioavailability than when it is squirted as a solution into the nose.

Call our friendly staff at A&O Compounding today at 831-769-0458 to learn more.