Dosage of Keppra

[Greysworld]

Wondering what dosage of Keppra extended release other greyhounds are on.

My vet would like to switch our 11yr old seizure boy from Phenobarb to Keppra.  She's recommending 500mg + 750mg, which sounds like a lot.  

[greysmom]

General recommendations are 5-10 mg per pound, given three times a day (or twice a day for extended release).  So a 70 lb dog would be 700 mg x 3.  What your vet is recommending is lower than the recommended dosage.

But, I would definitely consider switching.  Phenobarb can be a hard drug on many dogs, with lots of side effects and needing lots of bloodwork and monitoring.  Keppra is generally well tolerated, with few side effects except a little initial sedation.  It's usually given along with pheno, at least at the beginning, and then the pheno is tapered off as low as possible (or completely withdrawn if the dog doesn't need it to keep the seizures controlled).  

[Greysworld]

Great, thank you!

[tbhounds]

Why switch?  Pheno is tried and true….if it’s not broke don’t fix it.  You may see breakthroughs seizures while transitioning.  If the pheno is causing elevated liver enzyme’s inquire about using Denamarin concurrently.