Canine Flash Notes - Idiopathic Epilepsy

Question 1

what is the classic presentation of a dog with idiopathic epilepsy?

Answer 1

dogs 1-5 years old

less common in cats & horses (arabian foals)

Question 2

how is idiopathic epilepsy diagnosed?

Answer 2

diagnosis of exclusion

bloodwork to rule out metabolic/toxic cause, bile acids to rule out hepatic encephalopathy, MRI/CT of brain to rule out structural disease, CSF tap to rule out encephalitis, & monitoring anticonvulsant levels

Question 3

what is the acute treatment of choice for idiopathic epilepsy?

Answer 3

acute treatment to halt seizure activity - benzodiazepines (diazepam, midazolam, lorazepam), propofol, inhalant anesthetic

Question 4

what is the maintenance treatment of choice for idiopathic epilepsy?

Answer 4

phenobarbital, potassium bromide, keppra, & zonisamide

Question 5

what is the prognosis of idiopathic epilepsy?

Answer 5

guarded to good - may have normal life span if well controlled

Question 6

how is idiopathic epilepsy prevented?

Answer 6

spay females, don’t breed affected dogs, & be compliant with medication

Question 7

when does idiopathic epilepsy become an emergency?

Answer 7

more than 3 seizures in 24 hours or a single seizure that lasts longer than 5 minutes

Question 8

what is the kindling effect in idiopathic epilepsy?

Answer 8

seizures themselves seem to increase seizure frequency over time

Question 9

when can you combine anticonvulsants for a dog with idiopathic epilepsy?

Answer 9

don’t combine or change drugs unless the therapeutic blood level is achieved with the first drug

Question 10

T/F: large dogs with idiopathic epilepsy may be more difficult to control

Answer 10

true

Question 11

T/F: 25% of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy may not have adequate control achieved

Answer 11

true