Comparative study on efficacy of antiepileptic drugs in canine epilepsy

Abstract

The current study aimed to assess the prevalence of canine epilepsy in and around Bidar, investigate associated hematological and biochemical changes and to evaluate the efficacy of phenobarbital sodium and levetiracetam in managing the condition. The study was carried out at the Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College, Bidar, from March 2021 to August 2024, analyzed a total of 7,005 canine cases. Among these, 46 cases of epilepsy were identified, resulting in an overall prevalence rate of 0.66 per cent. Male dogs and those aged 6 months to 6 years exhibited the highest prevalence. Non-descript breeds were most affected, followed by Spitz and Labrador Retrievers. Dogs were randomly divided into two groups for treatment: Group I received phenobarbital sodium (3 mg/kg BW, twice daily) and Group II was treated with levetiracetam (15 mg/kg BW, three times daily). A control group of healthy dogs was used for hematological and biochemical comparisons. No significant differences in hemoglobin, total erythrocyte count, or major biochemical parameters were found between epileptic and control dogs. However, a significant increase in total leukocyte count and a significant decrease in magnesium levels were observed in epileptic dogs. In the present investigation, levetiracetam demonstrated superior efficacy, with 83.33 per cent of dogs achieving recovery by Day 30, compared to 66.67 per cent in the phenobarbital group. This research highlights levetiracetam's better therapeutic response in managing canine epilepsy.