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Questions and Answers
What is the primary method of action of phenobarbital as an anticonvulsant?
What is the primary method of action of phenobarbital as an anticonvulsant?
Which anticonvulsant is specifically noted for being toxic to cats?
Which anticonvulsant is specifically noted for being toxic to cats?
What is the recommended serum concentration range for phenobarbital to effectively control seizures in dogs?
What is the recommended serum concentration range for phenobarbital to effectively control seizures in dogs?
What is the unique property of phenytoin compared to other anticonvulsants?
What is the unique property of phenytoin compared to other anticonvulsants?
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For which condition is diazepam primarily used as an anticonvulsant?
For which condition is diazepam primarily used as an anticonvulsant?
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How is potassium bromide typically administered alongside phenobarbital?
How is potassium bromide typically administered alongside phenobarbital?
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Which of the following statements about primidone is true?
Which of the following statements about primidone is true?
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What is a major limitation of phenytoin in clinical use, particularly in dogs?
What is a major limitation of phenytoin in clinical use, particularly in dogs?
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Study Notes
Anticonvulsants
- Epilepsy is a brain disorder causing recurring seizures.
- Seizures, fits, and convulsions are synonymous terms for abnormal brain activity.
- Seizures are characterized by paroxysmal stereotyped behaviors.
- Seizures result from various neuronal abnormalities.
Phenobarbital
- First-line drug for controlling seizures in dogs and cats.
- Effective in 60-80% of epileptic dogs when serum concentration is within 15-45 microgram/mL therapeutic range.
- Depresses the motor centers of the cerebral cortex.
- It does not prevent seizure spread.
- Onset of action is 12 hours after oral administration, or quicker after IV injection.
Phenytoin
- Also known as diphenylhydantoin.
- Depresses motor centers without affecting sensory areas.
- Inhibits seizure spread to adjacent neural tissues.
- Not a general anticonvulsant like phenobarbital.
- Poor absorption from the canine gut.
Primidone
- Non-hypnotic anticonvulsant for dogs.
- Toxic to cats.
- Metabolized into phenobarbital and phenylethylmalonamide, which have anticonvulsant effects.
- Potential toxic reactions include hepatotoxicity, polyphagia, polydipsia, sedation and behavioral changes.
Diazepam
- Benzodiazepine.
- Used to control status epilepticus (but not for routine maintenance).
- Effective seizure control in cats, but not considered a good choice for dogs.
Potassium Bromide
- Effective addition to phenobarbital therapy, especially for clustered seizures in dogs.
- Often obtained as crystals and mixed by pharmacists.
- Can be absorbed through the skin, potentially toxic for humans.
Clonazepam
- A broad-spectrum anticonvulsant.
- Can be used with other anti-epileptic drugs.
- Causes drowsiness and dose-dependent ataxia (loss of muscle coordination).
Valproic Acid
- Broad-spectrum anticonvulsant.
- Rapidly absorbed.
- Displaces bound phenytoin or phenobarbital.
- Metabolized into non-anticonvulsant metabolites.
- Relatively short half-life.
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Description
This quiz covers important anticonvulsants used in treating epilepsy in dogs and cats. It includes details about drugs like phenobarbital, phenytoin, and primidone, their mechanisms of action, effectiveness, and specific considerations in veterinary practice. Test your knowledge on these critical medications and their impact on managing seizures in pets.
