Idiopathic epilepsy in dogs: owners' perspectives on management with phenobarbitone and/or potassium bromide.
OBJECTIVE
To explore seizure management from the perspective of the owners of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy.


METHODS
Questionnaires were mailed to owners of 29 dogs under management for suspected or diagnosed idiopathic epilepsy through the clinics of the Small Animal Hospital of the University of Glasgow Veterinary School, using either phenobarbitone or potassium bromide alone or in combination.


RESULTS
The postal survey had an 86 per cent response rate. Analysis of the responses demonstrated that "the dog's quality of life", "adequate seizure frequency" and "acceptable side effects of antiepileptic drugs" were the three greatest concerns for owners; 52 per cent of owners strongly agreed that the seizure management for their dog was adequate, though the seizure frequency reported varied within this group; the majority of owners did not consider the administration of medication a nuisance. However, approximately 60 per cent of owners reported that caring for an epileptic dog had an effect on the organisation of their free time, though this was not dependent on perception of seizure control. Opinions as to the value of further diagnostic procedures, in particular intracranial imaging, were significantly affected by having pet health insurance.


CONCLUSIONS
From the owners' perspective, adequacy of seizure control is determined by the balance between "the dog's quality of life", "adequate seizure frequency" and "acceptable side effects of antiepileptic drugs". A frequency of less than one seizure every three months is associated with the perception by owners of adequate seizure control.
Chang
Y
Y
Division of Companion Animal Science, Institute of Comparative Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, 464 Bearsden Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1QH.
Mellor
D J
DJ
Anderson
T J
TJ
D000818:Animals; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001965:Bromides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D010634:Phenobarbital / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017680:Potassium Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012640:Seizures / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D001965:Bromides; D017680:Potassium Compounds; C039004:potassium bromide; D010634:Phenobarbital