In this episode, host Alyssa Watson, DVM, talks with Elizabeth Thomovsky DVM, MS, DACVECC, about her recent Clinician’s Brief article, “Managing Canine & Feline Seizures.” Dr. Thomovsky explains how to triage seizure cases, prioritize diagnostics, and gain short-term control with benzodiazepines. She then expands the discussion to the selection of maintenance medications for dogs and cats, noting starting them as soon as possible.
Key Takeaways
For an urgent seizure case, get a TPR, body weight, and place the intravenous catheter (and use the blood from the hub to check a BG).
The vast majority of seizures will rapidly respond to IV benzodiazepines—and should respond within two doses.
Midazolam can go intranasally, and diazepam can go per rectum.
Start the long-acting medication as soon as able because benzodiazepines are so short-acting.
Phenobarbital is the best option for cats, while levetiracetam has become a more common first option for dogs.
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