Cornell University Hospital for Animals
Franklin | Hale, Mark | Page 1
Patient ID: 307858
Patient: Franklin :
Species: Canine (Dog)
Sex: Male
Breed: German Shepherd
Age: 2 years 2 months 7 days
Weight: 109.7901 Lbs
Color:
Phone: 315-281-4360
Microchip Number:
Visit Start Date:
Cornell University Hospital for Animals
Franklin | Hale, Mark | Page 1
Discharge Date: 11/8/22
Veterinarian:
Dr. Mackenzie Kilbourn (Neurology Resident) and
Dr. Emma Davies, (Neurology Attending Faculty)
VISIT SUMMARY:
Franklin was diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy in February of 2021 and has been managed on Keppra, Phenobarbital, Topiramate, and KBr, averaging 1-2 seizures every month (every ~ 1.5 weeks). His seizures have historically been generalized characterized by 1 minute of paddling and chomping accompanied by urination. His seizure frequency began increasing at the start of this month; he had a seizure on November 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. These, again, were his typical generalized seizures. On
November 5th (this past Saturday) he had a cluster seizure event. Franklin continued to have increased seizure frequency on November 6th and was admitted to our ICU yesterday afternoon.
While hospitalized, Franklin received a Midazolam CRI, as well as phenobarbital loading, and an increased dose of Keppra and KBr. He had no further seizures in the hospital while on this drug regiment. On neurological exam today, Franklin was initially
sedate and non-ambulatory (no new/lateralized deficits). He had an absent menace response, which is a common post-ictal
change, and the other cranial nerves were normal. He had normal reflexes, but no proprioception in any limb. By the time of
discharge he was much brighter, sitting up right in his kennel as his midazolam CRI had been reduced and discontinued.
Moving forward, Franklin's anti-convulsive medications can be increased and a cluster buster regime has been set. New doses
are listed below.
MEDICATIONS
1. PHENOBARBITAL 64.8 mg tablets: Give 2 tablets by mouth in the AM and 2.5 tablets in the PM.
This anti-epileptic drug should be given as close to every 12 hours as possible. It should not be stopped, and doses should not be
missed. If you do miss a dose, give one as soon as you remember. Some patients are very sensitive to missed doses and can
have rebound seizures. Common side effects include increased drinking and urination, increased appetite, and weight gain.
Long-term, it can cause damage to the liver or blood dyscrasias. While on this medication, Franklin will need to have routine
blood work (CBC, Chemistry) and a phenobarbital level monitored every 6-12 months. In addition, a phenobarbital level
should be checked 3 weeks after this chang in dosing.
NEXT DOSE DUE: Tonight at 8 pm
2. TOPIRAMATE 100 mg capsules: Give 1.5 tablets by mouth every 12 hours.
This is an anticonvulsant medication used to reduce the frequency of Hercules' seizures. This drug should be given as close to
every 12 hours as possible. The primary side effect of this medication are sedation and decreased appetite.

i am the registered owner of this dog and he has idiopathic epilepsy since he was 5 months old. feel free to email me at ahaletale@gmail.com and i will fwd you his medical record from Cornell animal hospital where his neurology team is located. He continues to have seizures to this day. we are trying to manage them, currently up to 4 medications and still not managed, but we are still trying because we adore this furry family member.