Neurology for Vets and Pets

In this final episode on emergency seizures, we discuss the step-by-step approach to therapy of status epilepticus in dogs and cats. The drugs we use are familar to use but new recommendations by the ACVIM have shed light on the time-based approach to the use of drugs based on their mechanisms of action and the underlying dynamic pathophysiology of the SE. To read the ACVIM recommendations on the treatment of SE, click on this link https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10800221/

In this second part of our three-part series on emergency seizures, we discuss status epilepticus. This is a life-threatening emergency that we need to treat rapidly and often using a team approach. In this episode, we review what status epilepticus is, how common it is, what causes it, and what it can do to the body, along with initial management considerations.

In this first of two parts, looking at emergency seizures, we will discuss cluster seizures. These seizure events often require urgent investigation and therapy. We discuss what cluster seizures are, how common they are, and most importantly what strategies we can use to manage them both in the hospital and in the at-home environment. For further reading on this topic after you've listened to this podcast, go to our website to dive into the epilepsy hub https://www.web-vetneurology.com/s-projects-basic-5

In this episode, we discuss two related anti-convulsants better known for their effect on neuropathic pain and anxiety in cats and dogs. However, there is some benefit of these drugs for seizure control in both species although there is not a lot of information to help us determine when we should consider their use and what to expect. Join us to find out what we do know and then see if you would consider using these drugs for one of your challenging cases.

Topiramate is not as well-known as an anticonvulsant as some of the other drugs that we have discussed. However, it has a potential role at least as an adjunctive medication and so we talk about what we know of its efficacy and safety in this episode. It seems that this is a safe drug at least in dogs and in the future may even have a role in the treatment of status epilepticus - so listen in and see what you think.

In this episode, we reflect on the use of newest of all veterinary anti-convulsants, imepitoin. Although available in Europe, it is not freely available yet in the USA but we need to be ready for it by understanding its administration, efficacy, and safety.

In this epsiode we look at the use of an extremely safe anti-seizure medication for epilepsy in both dogs and cats. We discuss how we use it, how it works and what to expect from it.

In this anti-seizure medication specific episode of our podcast, we discuss the use of zonisamide in both dogs and cats. We focus on its practical use, efficacy and adverse effects. Join us to learn what to expect with this interesting option for epileptic treatment.

Potassium bromide is the oldest anticonvulsant used in veterinary medicine and so we know we can trust it and rely on its safety for the treatment of dogs with epilepsy. In this session, we delve into the use, efficacy, and associated adverse effects of this anti-seizure medication. This episode is sponsored b⁠y PRN Pharmacal.

In this episode we begin to discuss the anti-seizure medications used for epilepsy in dogs and cats, starting with phenobarbital. Although this medication is the most effective anti-convulsant, it does require close monitoring on account of its adverse effects which in their early days can be reversible. We will discuss how to use this medication, how to monitor, and what to watch out for.

In this episode, we will delve into the important general aspects of anti-seizure drug use in cats and dogs. We will review 5 important questions - 1 – How aggressive should our diagnostic evaluation be? 2 – How should I choose a medication for my patient 3 - How long will it take for the drugs to work 4 – What monitoring should be done in the individual dog or cat 5 – How do I know when to add a second anti-seizure medication Join us to listen to the answers to these questions which get us ready to begin the seizure therapy journey.

In this episode, we review why we need to consider medications for our epileptic pets and what indications there are to determine the most appropriate time to start the drugs. Owner and pet quality of life has to be our focus before and after starting medications and so as we will discuss, this becomes a joint decision-making process with the pet carers.

In this episode, we review the physical characteristics of seizure events and compare them to the most common 'mimics' of seizures. These include syncope, movement disorders, sleep disorders, and behavioral abnormalities. Understanding that a potential seizure event could actually be one of these mimics is important to the diagnostic workup and therapeutic decision-making. To view some videos of movement disorders and read more, check out this link for our website. https://www.web-vetneurology.com/s-projects-basic-4

In this second episode of our new series, we will discuss what questions to ask the carer of an epileptic dog or cat and why the questions are so important. Download a sample seizure history form using this link: https://www.purinainstitute.com/sites/default/files/2023-11/Epilepsy%20Questionnaire.pdf

In this first episode of our new series we will discuss what does idiopathic epilepsy mean, what causes it, how can we recognize it in practice and what does it mean for the affected patient. This episode is sponsored by PRN Pharmacal.