Keppra for Controlling Seizures in Dogs

Keppra (levetiracetam) is an anticonvulsant drug that can be used to treat seizures in dogs and cats. Seizures and epilepsy are commonly diagnosed conditions in dogs. Your veterinarian may prescribe Keppra alone or along with other medications to manage seizure disorders in dogs. Here's what pet parents need to know about Keppra for dogs, including usage, side effects, and safety.

What Is Keppra for Dogs?

Keppra is a brand name for levetiracetam, an anticonvulsant medication that can be used by itself or in conjunction with other antiseizure drugs.

Seeing your dog go through a seizure can be upsetting. A seizure happens when the brain's neurons are quickly and continuously discharging, causing increased electrical activity. Anticonvulsants like Keppra may interrupt this process.

Medications traditionally used to treat seizures and epilepsy include phenobarbital and potassium bromide. In some dogs, these medications alone may not always adequately control seizures. Veterinarians may prescribe Keppra for dogs who continue to have frequent seizures while on other anticonvulsants as a way to try to get better control and limit their seizures.

Also, some animals are not able to tolerate phenobarbital or potassium bromide well, or the pet parent may wish to avoid the potential side effects associated with them. In these instances, an alternative anticonvulsant medication may be necessary, and Keppra may be a good choice.

Seizure disorders vary from case to case, so this medication may not work well for all dogs. Your vet may need to periodically adjust the dose of Keppra and other medications to try and control the seizures.

When using Keppra, dogs may be able to take lower doses of other antiseizure medications, which can reduce the side effects they cause. Side effects of phenobarbital or potassium bromide in dogs may include sedation, ataxia (loss of coordination), liver damage, and behavioral changes.

How To Use Keppra for Dogs

Keppra for dogs is only available with a prescription from a veterinarian. It comes in different dosages and preparations, including tablets, extended-release tablets, and oral solutions.

In some cases, Keppra must be administered orally three times daily, but the extended-release tablets can be given twice a day. This is because the drug is rapidly broken down in the body, with an elimination half-life of two to six hours. Unlike some other medications, Keppra doesn't require monitoring of blood levels but it can be helpful to establish a target therapeutic range for an individual dog.

Extended-release tablets must be given intact, not split or crushed, or too much of the medication will be released at once. If your pet is likely to chew them, it's better to use the regular formulation rather than the extended-release tablets. If you're using food or treats to hide pills, there's a good chance your dog will bite into the tablet.

As with any other anticonvulsant medication, levetiracetam should never be stopped suddenly. Doing so may place your pet at risk of life-threatening seizure activity.

Side Effects of Keppra for Dogs

Most dogs seem to tolerate Keppra quite well. Side effects in dogs may include drowsiness, changes in behavior, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. Contact your veterinarian if your dog is experiencing side effects while taking Keppra.

Safety of Keppra for Dogs

Keppra appears to be relatively safe for dogs and does not seem to affect the liver or liver enzymes (measured in the blood) as phenobarbital and potassium bromide can. It is not broken down by the liver but instead passes into the urine. This is why levetiracetam is safer for pets who may have impaired liver function. Dogs with advanced kidney disease may require a lower dose of this medication since it is primarily metabolized by the kidneys.

Although drug interactions have not been reported for Keppra in dogs, be sure to tell your veterinarian about other medications and supplements you're currently giving. Contact your vet if you notice changes in seizure activity or any signs of illness while your dog is on Keppra.

Can Dogs Overdose on Keppra?

Keppra has a wide margin of safety, so an overdose is unlikely. If your dog accidentally gets an extra dose or two, they may experience more side effects than usual, but these should fade within a few hours. However, contact your veterinarian if your dog gets into a whole bottle of pills or shows any signs of illness after taking Keppra.