... drug. Doses may be doubled in early stages and increased by 50 %in later stages. To discontinue a drug, even when changing drugs, the dose should be tapered gradually to avoid precipitating a seizure. In status epilepticus, treatment is essential to prevent death from hyperthermia, acidosis, hypoperfusion, and hypoxia (Table: Drugs Used for Treatment of Status Epilepticus). A benzodiazepine should be used first, because its transient effect permits a rapid shift in the therapeutic approach. For dogs, an initial IV bolus of diazepam (0.5-2 mg / kg) or, alternatively, clonazepam (0.05-0.2 mg / kg) may be necessary to reduce motor activity and permit placement of an IV catheter. Fluids are then infused to correct any detectable metabolic disturbances, and diazepam is added at 5-20 mg / hr. Alternatively, IV boluses of diazepam may be repeated up to a total of 3 times at intervals of 5-10 min before switching to phenobarbital (to begin the maintenance phase of therapy in dogs). Phenobarbital may be given at 2-4 mg / kg, ...

... Principles of Therapy Seizure Control Acute Spinal Cord Injury Anti-inflammatory Drugs Antiedema Drugs Muscle Relaxants Antimicrobial Therapy Nursing Care See also systemic pharmacotherapeutics of the nervous system, Systemic Pharmacotherapeutics of the Nervous System: Introduction. Seizure Control: Status epilepticus (continuous or cluster seizures) in dogs and cats may be interrupted by diazepam, given at 0.5 mg / kg (not to exceed 10 mg at one time ), IV. Sodium pentobarbital to effect, not to exceed 3-15 mg / kg, IV, may also be used, followed by phenobarbital at 2-4 mg / kg, IM, every 6 hr. Diazepam given at 0.1-2 mg / kg / hr, IV, may be used to control persistent status epilepticus. Oral anticonvulsants should be resumed as soon as possible if currently being given. Recommended maintenance anticonvulsant therapy in dogs and cats is phenobarbital at 2-4 mg / kg, PO, bid-tid as needed to control seizures or to maintain serum levels at 25-30 g / mL. Dogs can be treated with potassium bromide (KBr ), 22 mg / kg, bid with food ...

... Psychotropic Agents Anxiolytics, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers used to treat human behavioral disorders are being used more commonly in veterinary medicine as adjuncts to behavioral modification therapy (see also principles of pharmacologic treatment, Principles of Pharmacologic Treatment). Few veterinary clinical studies have been reported, and guidelines for veterinary use are grounded on therapeutic applications in human medicine. Anxiolytics, including the benzodiazepines and an azapirone (buspirone ), have been used to treat generalized anxiety and panic disorder in humans. Diazepam has been recommended to alleviate fear-related behaviors in animals, eg, thunderstorm anxiety in dogs and social anxiety in cats. However, benzodiazepines may not alleviate fear-related aggression in certain animals, but instead may cause a paradoxical increase in such behaviors. Diazepam has been reported to diminish urine-spraying behavior in cats, although most cats resumed urine spraying when the drug was withdrawn. Additional reported usages for diazepam include taming effects on wild animals, correcting sleep disorders in dogs, and stimulating appetite in cats. Diazepam, clonazepam, and chlorazepate dipotassium also have antiepileptic properties (see Anticonvulsants) ...

... , and early closure of bony epiphyses in young animals. Anabolic steroids are contraindicated in animals with congestive heart failure because of sodium and water retention. Because of the potential for abuse by people, anabolic steroids are controlled substances. Stanozolol is approved for use in small animals and horses, and boldenone undecylenate is approved for use in horses. The benzodiazepines are effective appetite stimulants in cats (but not dogs) by effects induced by Î ³-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and by central inhibition of the satiety center in the hypothalamus. Diazepam can be administered IV, IM, or PO, sid. Cats that respond begin eating within a few seconds of IV administration, so palatable food should be promptly available. Oxazepam, a metabolite of diazepam, can be given PO. Diazepam is the more effective appetite stimulant but also has a greater sedative effect than oxazepam. Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine with antiserotonin action. It promotes appetite by inhibition at the serotoninergic receptors, which control satiety. It is used clinically in cats as an appetite stimulant. CNS excitement and aggressive behavior ...