Currently there are a limited number of drugs that can be administered IV for the emergency treatment of seizures in dogs and people. Fosphenytoin (FOS) is the standard second-line drug in people but has not been tested in dogs yet. This clinical trial aims to determine if FOS can improve the emergency treatment of seizures in dogs similarly to previous clinical trials in people. It also aims to determine the safety, tolerability and efficacy of FOS in the treatment of Canine Status Epilepticus.
Inclusion Criteria
Your dog is eligible to participate in this study if
- Within the past 12 hours, they have had a continuous seizure lasting more than five minutes, or two or more seizures without full recovery in between. Full recovery is defined as normal ambulation (walking) and responsiveness.
- They have not received more than 2 doses of the “rescue” medication Valium (diazepam) after these seizure episodes.
- The seizures are related to an undiagnosed or previously diagnosed epilepsy condition, head trauma, or brain tumor.
Exclusion Criteria
Your dog is not eligible to participate in this study if
- It has been more than 12 hours since the seizure episodes.
- They have received more than 2 doses of Valium before coming to the emergency room.
- The seizures are related to toxicity or a metabolic condition.
- Your dog has a history of liver or kidney disease.
Benefits
- You will receive up to $500 off your emergency room bill if you participate in the study and your dog does not have any more seizures.
- You will receive up to $1500 off your emergency room bill if your dog has another seizure and is treated with the study medication.
- The study medication may reduce the severity of a seizure your dog is experiencing, and prevent it from having another seizure which requires a rescue protocol.
For more information on this or other studies, please contact the VCIC at 215-573-0302 or vcic@vet.upenn.edu.