During normal activity, the brain functions much like a music system with all the controls set at low volume. During an epileptic fit, these control mechanisms malfunction & the volume spirals upwards. In such a state a pretty melody is transformed into an unrecognisable white noise. Clinical signs seen when an animal experiences a fit include the following:

•    loss of balance & consciousness

•    paddling limbs & champing jaws

•    profuse foamy salivation

•    defaecation & urination

•    vocalisation ( barking, whimpering, screaming )

Reasons for such breakdown are not fully understood, but include the following:

•    brain disease; eg trauma, infection, tumours

•    metabolic disease; eg liver & kidney disease

•    ideopathic, ie cause unknown

Blood haematology & biochemistry, radiography & MRI scanning are used routinely as diagnostic tools in the investigation of the causes of epilepsy.

Management of a fitting animal:

•    place in quiet, darkened room

•    ensure that breathing is not obstructed taking care not to be bitten

•    call the emergency service for veterinary advice

•    comfort the animal with soft voice & touch

Valium given by intravenous injection or enema is used to terminate an epileptiform fit. Underlying causes when identified are traeted specifically.

In most cases, anticonvulsant drugs are necessary to reduce the severity & frequency of fitting. Phenobarbitone is the most widely used anti-convulsant drug in dogs & cats.  When beginning anti-convulsant therapy, the patient may initially be poorly co-ordinated in movement with sleepiness.These side effects are normally short lived & disappear after 5 - 7 days. Increased thirst & appetite are commonly reported as longer term side effects of therapy.

The effects of phenobarbitone are increased by another drug, potassium bromide. Using both drugs together allows effective treatment at a much reduced doses of phenobarbitone.

The active or therapeutic blood levels of phenobarbitone are reduced in animals carrying excessive body fat. Therefor, overweight animals require a higher drug dosage.

Phenobarbitone is deactivated & broken down by the liver, & causes a certain degree of liver damage over extended periods.

•     regular phenobarbitone & potassium bromide drug monitoring ensures correct dosage

•     disciplined patient weight contol to ensure minimum dosage required

•     twice yearly blood biochemistry to monitor health of the liver

For further information, contact MacDonald Vets, Cheltenham