Management of Phenobarbital Refractory Idiopathic Epilepsy by Potassium Bromide in Dogs

摘要

Phenobarbital refractory idiopathic epilepsy was diagnosed and treated with potassium bromide in 6 male dogs (3 German shepherd, 2 Labrador and 1 Mongrel). Mean age of onset of epilepsy was 2.13 ± 0.24 years. The presenting signs were chronic recurrent seizures, inappetance, in-coordination, icterus, ascites, polyuria, polydypsia, and polyphagia. Serum biochemistry showed an increase in liver enzymes, alkaline phosphatase (69.17 ± 15.80), aspartate transaminase (100.00 ±23.98), alanine animo transferase (134.17± 28.91) and bile salts (10.79 ± 1.38). The patients were refractory to phenobarbital 4.25 mg/kg in two divided doses at 12 hr. Potassium bromide 30 mg/kg/day was used in addition to phenobarbital @ 2mg/kg b.wt./day in two divided doses. For reversal of hepatic dysfunction, hepatoprotective drugs were used. After 3 month of therapy a reduction of 50% was done in the dose of phenobarbital along with previously used dose of potassium bromide, which was continued for next 3 month. After 6 month of therapy phenobarbital was completely withdrawn and dogs were maintained on potassium bromide alone. Appreciable results were observed in 5 dogs, while in one dog reduction in frequency was seen but fits were still present after 1 year of therapy