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Abnormal Behavior Episodes Associated With Zonisamide in Three Dogs: A Case Report
Shinichi Kanazono1,2, Masayasu Ukai2,3, Akira Hiramoto1
1Neurology and Neurosurgery Service, Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Center, Kawaguchi, Japan.
Frontiers in Veterinary Science
|November 15, 2021
Summary
Psychiatric adverse effects, including aggression and insomnia, were observed in three dogs treated with zonisamide for epilepsy. These behavioral changes resolved upon zonisamide discontinuation, suggesting a causal link.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Psychiatric adverse effects of anti-seizure drugs are documented in human medicine.
- Idiopathic epilepsy is a common neurological disorder in dogs.
Observation:
- Three dogs with presumptive idiopathic epilepsy exhibited behavioral changes including aggression, insomnia, and restlessness.
- These episodes worsened with increasing zonisamide dosage and resolved after discontinuation.
- Behavioral changes recurred upon zonisamide re-administration, confirming the association.
Findings:
- Zonisamide administration in dogs with epilepsy can lead to psychiatric adverse effects.
- The observed behavioral changes in dogs mirror those reported in human patients treated with zonisamide.
- This is the first clinical report detailing zonisamide-induced behavioral abnormalities in dogs.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider zonisamide-induced psychiatric adverse effects when treating canine epilepsy.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms of zonisamide's behavioral effects in dogs.
- This finding may inform safer anti-seizure drug selection and monitoring in veterinary practice.
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