Finley - Update

[Sue Z. + Finley]

Hi everyone! First of all I want to thank all of you for the great information and recommendations. It really helps to get feedback from others who are dealing with this situation.

As you indicated, Finley might not have a definitive cause for his seizure. We saw the vet this morning and Finley's lab results were normal - so no definitive cause. The vet suggested putting Finley on Zonisamide (Zonegran). Because of your information, I asked why he thought Finley needed medication  after only one seizure. His thought is because the postictal stage was 45-60 minutes and the severity of Finley's disorientation during this time warranted the medication. I indicated that because there was no trauma, exposure to chemicals, etc. I was somewhat uncomfortable starting medication after one seizure episode. The vet understood my position and we decided to wait on the medication until Finley has another seizure.

Does anyone have experience with Zonisamide? Just wondering what your thoughts are regarding this medication.

Thanks again!

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

From what you have communicated - it appears that your vet does not have experience with seizure disorders, if there are more seizures please see a specialist or a vet with more experience with seizures.  Usually the first medication is phenobarbitual and potassium bromide not Zonisamide.  The following is a blurb I found:

"When it is used, it is usually an add-on therapy for dogs already receiving phenobarbital. When this drug is used, the phenobarbital dosage can sometimes be drastically reduced or , perhaps, entirely eliminated."

It appears to be a safe medication but also more expensive then phenobarb or potassium bromide.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I saw similar information on the Guardian Angels Canine Epilepsy website. They refer to Zonisamide as a "second line" drug and also mentioned that it's expensive. 

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Phenobarbital is the first drug of choice according to my vet who is very experienced with seizure disorder. We started Boris after his second seizure on a low dose twice a day regime. He is due a blood test soon but so far (touch wood) so good. For the first ten days or so he was a little drowsy but then reverted back to his normal self. He actually comes to me every evening when he hears the peanut butter jar opening for his teaspoon of pb with his tablet. Morning time I just throw it into his food.