Serum Melatonin Values in Normal Dogs and Dogs with Seizures.

Epilepsy, or recurrent seizures, is reported to be the most common neurologic condition in dogs; 20-30% of epileptic dogs are considered to be pharmacoresistent to one medication. The hormone melatonin has been shown to have significant anticonvulsant effects; epileptic humans have lower serum melatonin levels than unaffected individuals. We hypothesize that serum levels of melatonin will be lower in dogs with seizures as compared with normal dogs.

Evaluation of Transdermal Administration of Phenobarbital in Healthy Cats.

The purpose was to determine the safety and achievable serum concentrations of transdermally administered phenobarbital in healthy cats. The hypothesis was that transdermal phenobarbital would achieve therapeutic serum concentrations (15-45 µg/mL) with minimal short-term adverse effects. Enrolled cats had normal physical and neurologic exams and unremarkable bloodwork.