Epilease for Dogs – Support for Epilepsy in Dogs
Epilease for Dogs is a prescription-only medication containing potassium bromide, a well-established antiepileptic treatment used in the long-term management of epilepsy in dogs. Epilease helps reduce the frequency and severity of seizures and is typically prescribed when first-line medications alone are not effective or are not well tolerated.
Epilease works by stabilising electrical activity in the brain, making it less likely that a seizure will occur. It is particularly useful in the treatment of idiopathic epilepsy, where no underlying cause for seizures can be identified. Epilease must be used under veterinary supervision and requires regular monitoring to ensure appropriate dosage and to avoid potential side effects.
VETERINARY PRESCRIPTION REQUIRED
Epilepsy in dogs is a neurological disorder that can significantly affect a dog's quality of life. Dogs wit...
Epilease for Dogs – Support for Epilepsy in Dogs
Epilease for Dogs is a prescription-only medication containing potassium bromide, a well-established antiepileptic treatment used in the long-term management of epilepsy in dogs. Epilease helps reduce the frequency and severity of seizures and is typically prescribed when first-line medications alone are not effective or are not well tolerated.
Epilease works by stabilising electrical activity in the brain, making it less likely that a seizure will occur. It is particularly useful in the treatment of idiopathic epilepsy, where no underlying cause for seizures can be identified. Epilease must be used under veterinary supervision and requires regular monitoring to ensure appropriate dosage and to avoid potential side effects.
VETERINARY PRESCRIPTION REQUIRED
Epilepsy in dogs is a neurological disorder that can significantly affect a dog's quality of life. Dogs with epilepsy experience recurrent seizures that may vary in frequency and severity. Managing this condition requires consistent care and a combination of medical treatment, dietary support, and lifestyle adjustments. Supplements like Epilease may play a role in supporting the brain's natural function and helping to stabilise nerve activity.
Understanding Epilepsy in Dogs
Canine epilepsy is one of the most common chronic neurological conditions in dogs. It is typically characterised by repeated episodes of seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The causes of epilepsy can be genetic (idiopathic), or they may result from other underlying conditions such as brain injury, liver disease, infections, or exposure to toxins.
Seizures may appear suddenly and often involve muscle spasms, loss of consciousness, twitching, drooling, and uncontrolled bodily movements. The duration and type of seizure can vary. Some dogs may exhibit warning signs such as restlessness, whining, or pacing before a seizure occurs. After a seizure, a dog may seem disoriented, weak, or temporarily blind. This post-seizure period, called the postictal phase, may last from a few minutes to several hours.
Dogs with epilepsy usually begin to show signs between six months and six years of age. While the condition can be distressing for both dogs and owners, it is often manageable with appropriate treatment and support. Lifelong monitoring and adjustments may be needed to maintain stability.
Veterinary diagnosis typically involves blood tests, neurological examinations, and sometimes advanced imaging such as MRI or CT scans to rule out other causes. In many cases, no underlying cause is found, and the epilepsy is considered idiopathic.
How Epilease for Dogs Works
The active ingredient in Epilease is potassium bromide. It is an inorganic salt that acts as a central nervous system depressant. It works by altering chloride ion transport in nerve cells, which increases the seizure threshold and reduces the risk of abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Epilease is especially useful in cases where phenobarbital (Epiphen) is not well tolerated or is contraindicated. It may be used on its own or alongside other anticonvulsant medications. When used as monotherapy, Epilease is often prescribed to dogs with liver issues, as potassium bromide is not metabolised by the liver and is instead excreted by the kidneys.
This makes Epilease suitable for long-term use in dogs where liver function must be preserved. However, it has a long half-life, which means it can take several weeks or even months to reach stable therapeutic levels in the bloodstream. For this reason, it is not suitable for emergency seizure control but rather for ongoing seizure management.
