What Medications are Given for Seizures?
Dr. Parker states “Dogs with seizures due to diseases other than epilepsy are given specific treatment for their disease. They may also be given anti-convulsants.” Epileptic dogs are treated with anticonvulsants. But Dr. Parker further cautions, “If the seizures are mild and occur singly and less frequently than one every two months, the side effects of the drug may outweigh the benefits of seizure control.” The owner and the veterinarian must determine the risk/benefit component of anticonvulsant treatment. In fact, only 60 to 70 percent of known cases of epilepsy are controlled. The following drugs are used in the control of canine epilepsy: Diphenyl hydantoin (Dilantin); primidone (Primidone, Mylepsin); and phenobarbitol and diazepam (Valium). And, less commonly: Valprroic acid (Depakene); paramethadione (Paradione); ethosuximide (Zarontin) and carbamezepine (Tegratol). Dr. Parker also mentions progesterone’s and even indicates that acupuncture has been used. The article goes on to
