Your dog’s ultimate epilepsy and seizure medicine

What is Keppra?

Keppra, or levetiracetam is a type of drug which is used to treat seizures or epilepsy. A class of drugs called anticonvulsants, Keppra can effectively decrease the chances and episodes of seizures.

It is an antiepileptic drug suitable for your dog. It is available as a 250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg, and 1000 mg tablet in the market. It also comes in the form of a colorless, grape-flavored liquid dose (100 mg/mL) intended for oral administration for your dog.

Chemical composition of Keppra

Chemically labeled as levetiracetam, Keppra is a single enantiomer – (-)-(S)-a-ethyl-2-oxo-1-pyrrolidine acetamide. With the molecular formula C8H14N2O2, its molecular weight is 170.21.

 

Why is it gaining immense popularity?

Keppra is relatively a newer, advanced medication that is increasingly gaining popularity among the medical fraternity as a treatment for epilepsy in dogs. It is considered quite a successful treatment for seizures in dogs, which is a commonly diagnosed medical condition.

Seizure in dogs occurs when the brain’s neurons discharge rapidly and continuously. This causes increased electrical activity in the dog’s brain, which is highly dangerous. These can be caused by several reasons such as eating something poisonous, liver disease, blood sugar fluctuations, underlying kidney diseases, certain electrolyte problems, anemia, etc.

How to use Keppra? 

Most commonly, there will be an option of taking a liquid and the regular-release tablets. These tablets are to be taken orally by your dog, twice a day. The vet can prescribe as to whether this is to be accompanied with food or without it.

Tip: Do not let your dog crush or chew the tablet to avoid bitter taste and eventual throwing up.

1. Liquid form:

In case you give your dog Keppra through the liquid form of medication, take note of the exact dosage with a dedicated measuring device/spoon.

Advice: It is generally advised not to use your household spoon to avoid wrong measurements and dosage.

2. Extended-release tablets

In case you opt or are prescribed the extended-release tablets, this is usually to be given once a day. It is not advised to let your dog chew or crush the medicine as this releases the entire amount of the drug dosage at once which can cause certain side effects.

Try out if your dog can swallow the entire tablet in whole or parts (as indicated on the tablet).

What is the correct dosage?

The appropriate dosage of Keppra for your dog will actually depend on the amount prescribed by the doctor. However, in addition to that, certain common factors can help you determine the right dosage:

• Medical condition:

The current medical condition and symptoms of your dog’s issue will determine the dosage.

• Weight of your dog:

The weight of your dog is crucial to deciding the appropriate dosage it requires for the timely and right treatment. This also helps in minimizing the risk of several side effects.

Side effects: 

Your dog’s previous dosage experiences can be a great lesson for you. Side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness can occur which can be better managed with a detailed discussion with your dog’s doctor. Common side effects include confusion, loss of balance or coordination, drowsiness, lethargic behavior, difficulty in daily activities like walking or moving, skin rash, fever, and certain other types of infections in your dog.

Use Kreppa the right way for your dog

1. Appropriate manner of usage

Using the Keppra medication in the right manner is very crucial to successful treatment for your ailing dog. Starting off the medication at a low dose, which is generally the advice of most doctors, and then eventually moving to higher doses is a commonly adopted trend.

2. Duration of treatment

Using Keppra medicines for the required duration is another factor that helps your dog recover faster. Taking the Keppra medicine at approximately the same time as your dog can also prove beneficial in
most cases.

3. Do not overdose your dog

Against the general perception, Keppra dosage must be fixed (as prescribed by the doctor). Do not mistake yourself by overdosing your dog with higher doses thinking it will fasten its recovery. This can, in fact, cause too many side effects for your dog.

4. Do not suddenly stop Keppra dosage

Yes, you read that right! Immediately stopping the dosage of Keppra for your dog without consulting the doctor can in fact worsen the seizure episodes. Always consult your doctor before making any major changes to the Keppra dosage for your dog.

5. Keep note of the after-effects of Keppra doses

Your dog needs your extra care and attention when it is on Keppra medication. The intake of Keppra either through a liquid form or the extended-release tablets can suffer from common after-effects that can last a bit longer. These include dizziness, headache, irritability and behavior change, mood swings, sleepiness throughout the day. The dog can also display a great loss of energy and strength during its treatment stage.

Maximizing the benefits your beloved dog derives from this wonder medicine is important.

Tip: For proper treatment, follow the instructions of your dog’s doctor religiously. Also, inform the doctor at once if you witness any seizures or changes in your dog’s health or behavior.

When to contact the pet’s vet

It is also advised to contact the vet or doctor at the earliest in case of any unusual side effects or health changes.

Despite the above-mentioned medically compiled views on using Keppra, its benefits, and dosage for your dog, it is always suggested to keep in touch with your doctor.

Final word

For proper details as to its usage, dosage, and other specific instructions, one must read the medical manual that comes along. This must be done at the start of your dog’s treatment as well as each time you go in for a refill.

Levetiracetam (Keppra) Rx Tablets

Lambert Vet Supply (LVS) – A trusted brand for Kreppa or Levetiracetam tablets that can be taken as an oral medication by your dog. The industry leader in anticonvulsants – a type of drug that significantly reduces the episodes of abnormal activities in the dog’s brain, LVS is your go-to place for all medical supplies. The company has been known for its high-quality medications.