Potassium Bromide for Dogs

Like us, our pets too suffer from various diseases. Epilepsy in dogs is a common problem and is treated with the help of potassium bromide which has proved to be more effective as compared to phenobarbital.

The Medical Cure for Canine Seizures
A sudden occurrence or recurrence of any disease because of a brain disorder, which involves abnormal electric activity is termed as seizure. Canine epilepsy is caused because of these seizures.

Potassium Bromide is basically a salt which degenerates into potassium and bromide when water comes in contact with it. Once independent, bromide turns into negatively charged ions, compelling the brain cells to also become negatively charged. This forbids the brain cells to fire in any random or sloppy manner thus helping to control seizures.

A couple of centuries ago, potassium bromide was used to cure seizures and epilepsy in humans as well. However, due to the advanced medicines which came out later on, people stopped using it. For dogs though, it still continues to be the best medicine to cure seizures.

Optimum Dosage
The medicine is available in a capsule as well as in a liquid form. If your dog has been taking phenobarbital for a long time without much effect before starting the potassium bromide dose, normally your veterinarian may suggest a loading dose for 5 days. 120 mg/kg is the loading dose, which is brought down to the normal, 25 mg/kg per day dose after 5 days. You must also ensure that the medicine is not given to the dog on an empty stomach. You can also mix the liquid dose in the dog's food. In case you miss giving one of the doses, do not worry because you can always make up for it later on, as the dosage is very flexible unlike phenobarbital. It normally takes around 4 to 6 months of medication to cure seizures in dogs. Do not start, change or stop the dosage without consulting your vet.

Possible Side Effects
Potassium Bromide is a better alternative for curing seizures than phenobarbital. This is because it does not harm the liver like phenobarbital. However, there are a few other side effects which could be caused by its use :

• Nausea and vomiting are its common side effects which can be avoided by administering the prescribed dosage with the dog's food.
• Frequent urination and excessive thirst is usually observed with this medication.
• Lethargy or drowsiness are other side effects which are observed after administering the medication. In such a case, it is important not to give another dose even if its due.
• In case your dog has been prescribed a combined dose of phenobarbital and potassium bromide it may experience exacerbation. Normally, in such cases, your vet would recommend you to reduce the dosage of either of the two medicines.

The side effects for dogs are common and generally disappear within 2 to 3 weeks. If your dog experiences side effects for a longer time, then you must consult your vet immediately.

Necessary Precautions
While curing seizures in dogs with potassium bromide, one needs to be careful about certain issues. The following are some suggested precautions:

• Keep the salt intake constant and normal. An increase in the salt consumption could remove bromide quickly from the dog's body, while a decrease in consumption of salt would increase the time span required to remove the bromide from the dog's body, making it dangerous.
• Instead of directly giving a liquid dose, it is advised that you mix it with the dog's food. By doing this, chances of side effects like nausea and vomiting are eliminated.
• You need to think thoroughly before deciding to discontinue with the medication for your dog. Since the therapy lasts for a long period, you may be tempted to stop it after some time, but don't. The major problem after discontinuation is the case of recurrence of seizures later on.
• The best part about using potassium bromide for your pet dogs is that it is harmless. A proper treatment for about 6 months with regular dosage and monitoring should be sufficient to control the seizures, improve the dog health and cure it of epilepsy.

As is the case with all animal health related issues, kindly consult your vet for proper medication and treatment.