Quality ofLife
Of genetic epileptic patients, 20-60% will suffer at least one episode of status epilepti- cus and about half of all epileptic patients will have cluster seizures. Mean life span is affected by status epilepticus: pets that have suffered status epilepticus have an average lifespan of 8 years versus over 11 years in those without status epilepticus.
Because of the physiologic derangements that can occur with status epilepticus (DIC, organ failure), this scenario is often a pivotal point for owners. Many owners simply realize that their pet's quality of life is simply too compromised, either by the side effects of medications or by the increased seizure frequency. When owners come to that realization, other therapeutic options may be available, but rate of response to anti-seizure medications decreases with each additional medication, humane euthanasia is often the best option.
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