Abnormal Behavior Episodes Associated With Zonisamide in Three Dogs: A Case Report

Psychiatric adverse effect associated with anti-seizure drugs has been well-recognized in human medicine. This case report describes three dogs with presumptive idiopathic epilepsy presented for abnormal behavior episodes. Abnormal behavior episodes included sudden rage and aggression to the family members, insomnia, restlessness, and/or constant attention-seeking behavior. MRI study and cerebrospinal fluid analysis in two dogs were unremarkable. The abnormal behavior episodes deteriorated along with gradual dose increment of zonisamide and these episodes almost completely disappeared within 5 days after discontinuation of zonisamide. The exact same episodes relapsed within days after re-administration of zonisamide and disappeared again shortly after discontinuation of zonisamide. Dose adjustments of other anti-seizure medications in case 2 did not result in significant changes in these behavior episodes. Although psychiatric adverse effects including aggressive behavior associated with zonisamide are widely recognized in humans, this is the first report in dogs in the clinical setting.

Automated summary

Psychiatric adverse effects associated with zonisamide, including aggressive behavior, were observed in three dogs with presumptive idiopathic epilepsy. The abnormal behavior episodes improved significantly after discontinuation of zonisamide, but relapsed after re-administration. MRI studies and cerebrospinal fluid analysis in two dogs were unremarkable.