The efficacy and tolerability of levetiracetam in pharmacoresistant epileptic dogs

Volk, H A; Matiasek, L A; Feliu-Pascual, A L; Platt, S R; Chandler, K E

Abstract

Twenty-two dogs with idiopathic epilepsy which were pharmacoresistant to phenobarbitone and bromide were treated with levetiracetam as an add-on medication. Records of eight dogs were used retrospectively to determine a safe, efficient levetiracetam dosage. Fourteen dogs were entered into a prospective, open label, non-comparative study. After 2 months of levetiracetam oral treatment (10 mg/kg TID), 8/14 dogs responded significantly to the treatment and seizure frequency was reduced by >= 50%. In dogs that remained refractory, the dosage was increased to 20 mg/kg TID for 2 months. One further dog responded to levetiracetam treatment. Levetiracetam, responders had a significant decrease in seizure frequency of 77% (7.9 +/- 5.2 to 1.8 +/- 1.7 seizures/month) and a decrease in seizure days per month of 68% (3.8 +/- 1.7 to 1.2 +/- 1.1 seizure days/month). However, 6/9 responders experienced an increase in seizure frequency and seizure days after 4-8 months continuing with the levetiracetam treatment at the last effective dosage. Levetiracetam was well tolerated by all dogs and sedation was the only side-effect reported in just one of the 14 dogs. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Citation

Volk, H. A., Matiasek, L. A., Feliu-Pascual, A. L., Platt, S. R., & Chandler, K. E. The efficacy and tolerability of levetiracetam in pharmacoresistant epileptic dogs. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.03.002

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Deposit Date: Nov 11, 2014
• Journal: VETERINARY JOURNAL
• Volume: 176
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 310-319
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.03.002
• Public URL: https://rvc-repository.worktribe.com/output/1431396
• Additional Information: Corporate Creators : AHT, Georgia