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- Author or Editor: Marco Ruggeri x
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect on seizure frequency of add-on telmisartan treatment in dogs with refractory idiopathic epilepsy.
ANIMALS
11 client-owned dogs with idiopathic epilepsy and ≥ 2 generalized seizures/mon that were currently being treated with ≥ 2 antiepileptic drugs.
PROCEDURES
Telmisartan was administered at a dosage of 0.25 to 1 mg/kg, PO, every 12 hours for 4 to 16 months. Seizure frequencies before and during telmisartan treatment were recorded.
RESULTS
10 dogs completed the 4-month treatment protocol. One dog was excluded owing to a transient increase in serum creatinine concentration; no adverse effects of telmisartan were observed in the remaining 10 dogs. A reduction in seizure frequency greater than an estimated expected placebo effect of 30% was evident in 7 of the 10 dogs. Long-term (12 to 16 months) follow-up information was available for 6 dogs, of which 4 had a further reduction in seizure frequency. Differences in seizure frequency were not statistically significant. No significant difference was found in serum phenobarbital concentration throughout the treatment period in the 7 dogs that were tested.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Telmisartan has the potential to reduce seizure frequency when administered as an add-on antiepileptic drug in dogs with refractory idiopathic epilepsy. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial is needed to determine the true efficacy of telmisartan. On the basis of our results, a sample size of 54 dogs with refractory idiopathic epilepsy would be needed.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficiency and safety of a doramectin-based treatment protocol in dogs affected by intraspinal spirocercosis (Spirocerca lupi).
ANIMALS
Client-owned dogs that were admitted to a veterinary hospital during 2021 to 2022 with acute onset of neurological signs and diagnosed with intraspinal spirocercosis. All dogs underwent complete neurological evaluation, CSF analysis, PCR confirmation of CNS S lupi infection, and follow-up evaluation of at least 6 months.
PROCEDURES
Upon diagnosis, dogs were treated with doramectin at a dose of 400 μg/kg, SC, q 24 h for 3 consecutive days, followed by the same dose once a week for 6 weeks. Prednisone was administered at a dose of 1 mg/kg, PO, q 24 h and tapered every 3 days. Antimicrobial clindamycin was administered at a dose of 12.5 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h for 7 days to reduce the risk of secondary spinal cord infection. Short- and long-term outcomes (1 week to 56 months) were recorded.
RESULTS
8 dogs fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 7 of which presented with neurological deficits and 1 with cervical pain. Initiation of treatment was associated with stopping the deterioration in 7 of 8 dogs. Seven dogs improved and 6 recovered ambulation. One dog was euthanized due to lack of improvement. Six of the recovered dogs were still ataxic on the last follow-up examination at 6 to 56 months. No adverse effects of the drug were noted.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Frequent administration of doramectin was found to be safe and effective in preventing neurological deterioration in dogs with intraspinal spirocercosis.
