title: Zonisamide therapy for refractory idiopathic epilepsy in dogs.
abstract: Twelve dogs with poorly controlled idiopathic epilepsy were entered into a prospective, open-label, noncomparative study. Oral zonisamide was administered as an additional therapy at a dosage adequate to achieve serum drug concentrations of 10 to 40 microg/mL. Seizure frequency before and after initiation of zonisamide therapy was recorded. A dosing interval of q 12 hours was sufficient to maintain serum zonisamide concentrations within the therapeutic range. The mean dosage of zonisamide required was 8.9 mg/kg q 12 hours. Seven (58%) dogs responded favorably, experiencing a mean reduction in seizures of 81.3%. Five dogs had an increase in seizure frequency. Mild side effects (e.g., transient sedation, ataxia, vomiting) occurred in six dogs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Long Island Veterinary Specialists, Plainview, New York 11803, USA.
authors.forename: Curtis W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Dewey
authors.forename: Rose
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Guiliano
authors.forename: Dawn M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Boothe
authors.forename: Jason M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Berg
authors.forename: Gregg D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Kortz
authors.forename: Richard J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Joseph
authors.forename: Steven C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Budsberg
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule / Q000662:veterinary; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D007555:Isoxazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012640:Seizures / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000078305:Zonisamide
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D007555:Isoxazoles; D000078305:Zonisamide