Seizures can be distressing not only for pets but also for the people who care for them—both pet owners and veterinary professionals alike. In the insightful webinar Seizure Management in Cats and Dogs, Dr Missy Carpentier, a board-certified neurologist, provides a comprehensive and practical overview of how to approach seizures in small animals. Her presentation blends clinical experience with evidence-based recommendations to support vets in making confident diagnostic and treatment decisions.

Identifying and Classifying Seizures

Dr Carpentier begins by exploring the fundamentals: signalment, history-taking, and the types of seizures seen in veterinary patients. She reminds us that age matters—seizures in animals under one year or over five years old warrant careful investigation, as the underlying causes often differ across life stages.

A key part of the discussion involves understanding seizure stages—pre-ictal (aura), ictal (the seizure itself), and post-ictal (recovery)—and how to identify focal seizures, which may be subtler than generalised ones. The discussion delves into breed predispositions, offering useful clinical cues, and highlights the importance of distinguishing seizures from other lookalike behaviours such as syncope, vestibular episodes, and even gastrointestinal symptoms like fly-biting.

Interestingly, Dr Carpentier also explores the possible link between fear-related behaviours and focal seizures—an area that still requires more research but is clinically significant.

Vestibular Epilepsy and Syncope: Diagnosing the Unusual

The webinar also shines a light on the challenges of diagnosing dogs with vestibular signs, particularly in younger patients. Dr Carpentier encourages clinicians to consider vestibular epilepsy and syncope in the differential diagnosis list, especially when dealing with atypical presentations.

She emphasises a structured clinical approach—beginning with a complete physical and neurological exam—to help localise seizure activity, whether it’s confined to the forebrain or presents as a multifocal issue. These initial steps are crucial to creating a targeted diagnostic and management plan.

When to Treat: Anti-Epileptic Drug Guidelines

Drawing from the 2015 ACVIM consensus statement, Dr Carpentier offers guidance on when to initiate anti-epileptic therapy. Her advice is particularly valuable in navigating those grey zones where decisions are less clear-cut. She notes that around 25–30% of epilepsy cases in dogs are refractory—meaning they do not respond well to conventional treatments—and this makes treatment planning even more complex.

The importance of balancing seizure control with quality of life becomes a running theme throughout the webinar. It’s not just about stopping seizures—it’s about ensuring the pet’s overall wellbeing.

Treatment Options: Balancing Efficacy and Side Effects

Dr Carpentier goes on to discuss the mechanisms, dosages, and side effect profiles of several commonly used anti-epileptic drugs including:

• Phenobarbital

• Potassium bromide

• Levetiracetam

• Zonisamide

• Pregabalin

• Topiramate

She also touches on the growing interest in CBD as a potential treatment. While early results are promising, she cautions that more robust data is needed before it can be widely recommended.

Key takeaways from the treatment segment include the importance of therapeutic drug monitoring, watching for adverse effects, and ensuring that dosing remains consistent—something pet owners often need help with.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a recent graduate or an experienced vet, Seizure Management in Cats and Dogs is packed with useful insights that can enhance your confidence and clinical judgement. Dr Carpentier’s balanced approach reminds us that treating epilepsy isn't just about stopping the seizures—it’s about the whole patient.

This webinar is now available to watch on demand at The Webinar Vet. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from one of the leading voices in veterinary neurology.

References

• Carpentier, M. (2024). Seizure Management in Cats and Dogs [Webinar]. The Webinar Vet.

• ACVIM Consensus Statement (2015). Treatment Recommendations for Idiopathic Epilepsy in Dogs.

• AVMA. (n.d.). Seizures in Pets – Overview and Guidance for Owners.