In 1857, Sir Charles Locock discovered the anticonvulsant and sedative traits of potassium bromide and began treating his patients. From that point, potassium bromide became a choice treatment for humans with epileptic seizures and nervous disorders until the 1912 discovery of Phenobarbital.

The introduction of Phenobarbital considerably decreased the popularity of potassium bromide in treating humans with epileptic seizures. As a result, potassium bromide is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Potassium Bromide and Veterinary Medicine

Potassium bromide is often prescribed in veterinary medicine for the effective treatment of epileptic seizures in dogs. Depending on the needs of the individual patient, potassium bromide may be the sole form of treatment or used in correlation with Phenobarbital.

Potassium bromide therapy is a rarity among the feline species, as treatment may substantially increase the risk of lung inflammation. Alternative therapies are often explored for cats, such as Diazepam or Phenobarbital, before introducing potassium bromide.

In veterinary medicine, potassium bromide typically comes in a liquid of capsule form. Since it can take three to four months to reach a steady bromide blood level, patients often receive a high dosage at the onset of treatment.

Veterinary Medicine — Potassium Bromide and Potential Side Effects

Many experts in veterinary medicine consider potassium bromide to be equally, if not more effective than Phenobarbital in treating dogs for seizures. However, as with virtually all medications, the possibility of side effects does exist.

Among other potential side effects, patients taking potassium bromide may experience appetite loss, nausea, frequent urination, thirst and drowsiness, especially when treatment is initiated with a high dosage. Coughing is another possible side effect. In such cases, potassium bromide treatment may be halted.

Potassium bromide should be administered with food. Be sure to consult with a licensed specialist in veterinary medicine to arrive at the best possible treatment.

Veterinary Medicine — Dogs and Cushing’s Disease

Cushing’s disease is most common in smaller dogs. Signs of Cushing’s syndrome may include increased appetite, thirst and urination, hair loss, bald patches and an enlarged abdomen. Without treatment, dogs can develop weak and calcified skin patches, hepatopathy and frail abdominal muscles.

Canine Cushing’s disease is caused by excess secretion of the adrenocorticotropic hormone, which elevates cortisol levels. Most dogs that develop Cushing’s disease have pituitary dependant hyperadrenocorticism (PDH). Those who do not have Cushing’s because of PDH have an adrenocortical tumor, which may be benign or malignant. Whether the result of an adrenal or pituitary tumor, Cushing’s disease interferes with biological mechanisms that normally function to regulate cortisol blood levels.

As of 2008, Trilostane is an FDA approved treatment for dogs with Cushing’s disease. Administering Trilostane can inhibit with the production of cortisol in the adrenal glands, adjusting the adreno-cortico hormone levels and preventing disease symptoms.

Trilostane can be administered in once-daily doses, or in smaller, more frequent doses to reduce the occurrence of side effects. It may take approximately four weeks for the drug to take effect and to notice a reduction of symptoms.

Trilostane — Other Uses in Veterinary Medicine

In addition to treatment for pituitary dependant hyperadrenocorticism, adrenocortical tumors and Cushing’s disease, Trilostane may be used to treat dogs with Alopecia X. Advancements in veterinary medicine have also led to substantial groundwork in the use of trilostane for treating horses with Cushing’s.

Additionally, while PDH in felines is rare, trilostane may be a chosen form of therapy. However, trilostane has revealed to be a less successful form of treatment for cats.

Trilostane — Drug Interactions and Potential Side Effects

Potential side effects include vomiting, reduced appetite, weight loss, diarrhea and tiredness. Rare instances of death have been reported. As each patient reacts differently to trilostane, arriving at the appropriate dosage is crucial in preventing instances of overdose and achieving the best possible outcome.