Behavioral Changes Under Levetiracetam Treatment in Dogs

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Neurology
• Animal Behavior
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Levetiracetam (LEV) is a widely used antiepileptic drug (AED) in veterinary medicine, generally considered well-tolerated.
• While mild side effects are common, behavioral changes are rarely reported in animals, unlike in human medicine where they are frequently observed.
• Anecdotal observations at a veterinary clinic suggested potential behavioral abnormalities in dogs treated with LEV.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence of behavioral changes in dogs with epilepsy treated with levetiracetam (LEV).
• To determine if LEV induces new behavioral abnormalities or exacerbates pre-existing ones in canine patients.
• To provide data for informed discussions between veterinarians and owners regarding LEV treatment options.

Main Methods:

• A monocentric retrospective study involving 84 client-owned dogs with recurrent seizures receiving LEV.
• Data collected via owner-completed questionnaires regarding pre-existing and post-treatment behavioral changes.
• Dogs received LEV as monotherapy, add-on therapy, or pulse therapy.

Main Results:

• Nearly half of the dogs (44/84) had pre-existing behavioral changes before LEV treatment.
• Of those with pre-existing changes, 14/44 experienced worsening and 4/44 developed new behaviors after LEV initiation.
• 10/40 dogs without prior behavioral abnormalities developed new changes associated with LEV administration.

Conclusions:

• Behavioral changes can occur in dogs treated with levetiracetam (LEV).
• The potential for LEV to induce or worsen behavioral issues should be considered during treatment planning.
• Veterinarians should discuss these potential side effects with owners when prescribing LEV for canine epilepsy.