Many veterinarians were taught that acepromazine lowers the seizure threshold and therefore should not be used in epileptic dogs (or any patients at risk of seizuring). Is this urban myth or a real clinical phenomenon? In this poll we asked veterinarians to give their opinion on the use of acepromazine (ACP) in epileptic animals. Of the respondents 20% said they never use ACP in any dogs, and a further 40% avoid it in epileptic animals as they are concerned that it may exacerbate seizures. However, 30% have used it successfully in epileptic dogs with no effect on seizure frequency and only 10% have first hand experience of increase in seizures following ACP use in an epileptic dog.

In a related poll we asked owners to relate their experience of the use of acepromazine (ACP) in their epileptic pets. The number of responses was lower than normal as the poll was limited to those who had used ACP in their epileptic pets. However, 60% of owners reported that seizure frequency in their pet was unaffected by the administration of ACP; and the rest felt that ACP administration had reduced seizure frequency.

Veterinary Surgeon Poll   On average (across all the epileptic animals in your practice), how do rate the quality of life of your epileptic patients that are receiving medication to control seizures? Normal Slightly impaired but still good Significantly reduced   View Results

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