What You Should Know About Medication Used to Treat Epilepsy in Dogs

If you own a dog suffering from epilepsy, your veterinarian may have prescribed potassium bromide. Potassium bromide is one of the oldest agents used in managing epilepsy. It was once commonly used in humans.

Phenobarbital is the drug of choice in treating epilepsy in dogs. However, when a dog experiences ill effects from the use of phenobarbital or when the maximum dose of phenobarbital is not effective, potassim bromide is often used to control canine epilepsy.

Here is some information which may help you understand the potassium bromide treatment your veterinarian has prescribed.

Potassium bromide is not approved for veterinary use but is a safe and effective medication to control your pet's seizures.
Temporary side effects are possible during the first few weeks of potassium bromide therapy. These include drowsiness, difficulty walking, and vomiting. These should diminish after your pet's body becomes used to the medication. To decrease the possibility of these side effects, you should administer this medication with food. Elevating the food bowl will help to prevent your dog from inhaling any particles of food if vomiting does occur.
You should leave plenty of fresh drinking water for your pet. Good hydration is critical to the effectiveness of this drug.
You should not alter the salt content ofyour pet's diet. This may interfere with the drug and allow breakthrough seizures, caused by too much salt intake, or toxicity caused by too little salt intake.
Your veterinarian will need to check the levels of potassium bromide in your dog's blood every 6 months so please remember to bring your pet back for these important check-ups.