The efficacy and tolerability of levetiracetam in pharmacoresistant epileptic dogs

Volk, H A and Matiasek, L A and Feliu-Pascual, A L and Platt, S R and Chandler, K E (2008) The efficacy and tolerability of levetiracetam in pharmacoresistant epileptic dogs. VETERINARY JOURNAL, 176 (3). pp. 310-319.

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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.

Item Type:	Article
RVC Publication Type:	Research (full) paper
WoS ID:	000256335100007
DOI:	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.03.002
Departments:	Clinical Sciences and Services
Research Programmes:	Comparative Physiology & Medicine > Clinical Research
Depositing User:	RVC Auto-import
Last Modified:	21 Nov 2020 16:19
URI:	https://researchonline.rvc.ac.uk/id/eprint/1732

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