Dr. Natascha Hedegaard BVetMed MRCVS graduated as a veterinary surgeon from the Royal Veterinary College, London, in 2018. She is passionate about optimising canine health with a holistic approach to veterinary medicine and consideration for the individual patient .She is currently undertaking her Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Medicine with an aim to becoming an Advanced Practitioner.
Introduction
If your dog has been diagnosed with epilepsy, your veterinarian may prescribe potassium bromide (KBr) as part of their treatment plan. Potassium bromide is a medication commonly used to manage seizures in dogs, particularly when other anti-epileptic drugs haven’t provided sufficient control on their own. While potassium bromide can be effective in reducing seizure frequency, it’s essential to monitor your dog closely to ensure their safety and well-being. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about monitoring your dog on potassium bromide.
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Understanding Potassium Bromide
Potassium bromide works by stabilising electrical activity in the brain, which helps reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in dogs with epilepsy. It is typically administered orally, either in tablet or liquid form, and is often prescribed alongside other anti-seizure medications.
Monitoring Your Dog’s Response
Once your dog starts taking potassium bromide, it’s crucial to monitor their response to the medication closely. Here are some key aspects to keep an eye on:
Seizure Frequency: Keep a seizure diary to track the frequency and severity of your dog’s seizures. Note any changes in seizure activity after starting potassium bromide, as it may take some time for the medication to reach therapeutic levels in your dog’s system.
Behavioural Changes: Pay attention to any changes in your dog’s behaviour or demeanour. While potassium bromide generally is deemed a good course of action for seizure control, behavioural changes such as irritability and restlessness have been reported in some dogs. If you notice any significant changes in behaviour, such as lethargy, disorientation, anxiety, or aggression consult your veterinarian.
Adverse Side Effects: although some side effects can be normal in the first few days adjusting to a new course of medicine, keep an eye out and a careful log of any side effects you witness with the drug. some dogs may experience mild sedation, wobbliness, skin reactions (usually only in dogs who have known skin problems) or gastrointestinal upset initially (vomiting). Increases in appetite and thirst have also been reported along with pancreatitis. You can learn more about different side effects that can occur in our blog post on starting your dog on potassium bromide.
Blood Monitoring: Your veterinarian will likely recommend periodic blood tests to monitor potassium bromide levels in the bloodstream to ensure they remain within a safe range. Blood levels of bromide will be measured regularly, more often at first, and then likely every 3-6 months once your pet is on a maintenance dose. Other biochemistry parameters are also likely to be monitored to ensure your dog's overall health remains stable while on these long term medications.
Other Medications: If your dog is taking other medications alongside potassium bromide, such as phenobarbital or other anti-seizure drugs, monitor for potential interactions or adverse effects. Your veterinarian will advise on the appropriate dosage and timing of medications to minimise the risk of complications.
Dietary Considerations: Potassium bromide absorption can be affected by dietary factors, particularly high-salt diets. Your veterinarian may recommend a consistent diet and a reduction in salt intake to optimise the effectiveness and safety of the medication.
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When to Contact Your Veterinarian
While potassium bromide is generally well-tolerated in dogs, there are certain situations where you should contact your veterinarian:
Seizure Worsening: If your dog experiences an increase in seizure frequency or severity after starting potassium bromide, notify your veterinarian immediately. You should also take note if there seems to be no change in seizure frequency or severity while using potassium bromide and report this to your vet.
Significant Behavioural Changes: If your dog exhibits profound lethargy, weakness, aggression, anxiety or other concerning behavioural changes, seek veterinary advice promptly.
Persistent Side Effects: While mild side effects such as mild sedation or gastrointestinal upset are common initially, persistent or severe side effects warrant veterinary evaluation. Keep a clear log of the side effects experienced along with descriptions, dates, times, and severity of these side effects to better help you and your vet determine if potassium bromide is the best option for your dog.
Missed Doses: If you accidentally miss a dose of potassium bromide, contact your veterinarian for guidance on how to proceed. It’s essential to maintain consistent medication levels in your dog’s system to prevent breakthrough seizures.
Conclusion
Monitoring your dog on potassium bromide is essential for ensuring their safety and optimising treatment outcomes. By keeping a close eye on seizure activity, behavioural changes, blood monitoring, and other factors, you can work collaboratively with your veterinarian to provide the best possible care for your canine companion. If you have any concerns or questions about your dog’s medication regimen, don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian for guidance and support.
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