Comparison of caregivers' assessments of clinical outcome in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy administered levetiracetam, zonisamide, or phenobarbital monotherapy.

Objective: To investigate caregivers' assessments of outcome in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (IE) administered levetiracetam (LEV), zonisamide (ZNS), or phenobarbital (PB) monotherapy.

Animals: 100 dogs with IE administered LEV (n = 34), ZNS (31), or PB (35) monotherapy between January 1, 2003, and February 6, 2019, and survey responses from their caregivers.

Procedures: Information on duration of therapy, adverse effects (AEs), and outcome was obtained from medical record review and caregiver questionnaire.

Evaluation of a collar-mounted accelerometer for detecting seizure activity in dogs.

Background: The majority of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy continue to have seizures despite appropriate treatment.

Objectives: To assess the use of a commercially available, collar-mounted accelerometer to detect generalized seizures in dogs.

Animals: Twenty two client-owned dogs with idiopathic epilepsy.

Clinical characteristics, breed differences, and quality of life in North American dogs with acute steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis.

Background: Steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA) is a common inflammatory neurologic disorder of dogs for which certain breeds are predisposed.

Objectives: To determine whether breed differences exist in clinical features, treatment response, and relapse in a population of North American dogs with SRMA, and to evaluate the effect of disease on dogs' quality of life (QoL).

Animals: Sixty-one client-owned dogs with SRMA: 29 dogs identified through an American Kennel Club-Canine Health Foundation survey and 32 dogs from North Carolina (NC) State Veterinary Hospital.

Population pharmacokinetics of extended-release levetiracetam in epileptic dogs when administered alone, with phenobarbital or zonisamide.

Background: Extended-release levetiracetam (LEV-XR) has gained acceptance as an antiepileptic drug in dogs. No studies have evaluated its disposition in dogs with epilepsy.

Hypothesis/objectives: To evaluate the pharmacokinetics of LEV-XR in epileptic dogs when administered alone or with phenobarbital or zonisamide.

Evaluation of the Impacts of Epilepsy in Dogs on Their Caregivers.

Epilepsy is a common problem in dogs, and management of this chronic disorder requires a substantial commitment on the part of the pet owner. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of epilepsy in dogs on their owners, utilizing an online survey tool. A questionnaire was developed to explore a variety of factors, including seizure history, treatment, outcome, quality of life, costs associated with therapy, and sources of support.