Lorazepam Therapy for Canine Status Epilepticus

Abstract

Canine status epilepticus is naturally occurring epilepsy in dogs, a life-threatening emergency needs to be treated immediately.  Prolonged episodes are known to cause damage in multiple areas of brain. For instantly stopping the seizure activity benzodiazepines are chosen as first-line therapy in dogs. The effectiveness of intravenous lorazepam has not yet been well established in veterinary patients. The purpose of the study was to find the seizure free interval in status epilepticus dogs when compared to diazepam. Twelve actively seizing dogs were randomly divided into two groups and administered with intravenous lorazepam @ 0.2mg.kg and diazepam @ 0.5 mg/kg. The parameters like physical parameters, seizure free period, level of consciousness and motor activity were analysed in both the groups. On evaluating the physical parameters there was a significant post ictal temperature when compare to control animals. There was a significant increase in seizure free period when compare to diazepam group. Lorazepam didn’t alter the level of consciousness and motor activity in treated dogs.    To conclude, lorazepam significantly increased the seizure free period when compared to diazepam in status epilepticus dogs.