Potassium Bromide and Muscle Weakness in Dogs

Potassium bromide is a medication that controls canine seizures. If the dog's current anti-seizure medication is not effective, potassium bromide is an alternate therapy that can be used solely, or in conjunction with, the other medication.

  1. Causes

    • There are many causes of canine seizures including epilepsy, head trauma, serious illness or a brain tumor. Whatever the seizure's cause, the key to avoiding neurological damage and possible death is controlling the seizure activity. The bromide in potassium bromide, "will depress the excitability of nerves within the brain and results in reducing seizures," says Dr. Dawn Ruben on PetPlace.com. This nerve depression can weaken the animal.

    Preparation

    • Every dog needs a different amount of bromide to control its seizure activity, and the dog's owner, veterinarian and pharmacist all work together to determine the correct dosage. Once the dosage is found, blood tests are recommended every six months to ensure the potassium bromide isn't building up in the dog's bloodstream; overdose impairs the dog's muscular and central nervous systems, cautions Doctors Foster and Smith Pet Pharmacy.

    Effects

    • Potassium bromide is a classified as an anti-convulsant and one of the most common sides effects is sedation, warns Ruben. Dogs suffering the side effects of sedation will exhibit muscle weakness, stumbling, lethargy, lack of coordination, immobility of one or more legs and tremors. The canine should be taken to a vet immediately should any of these signs of muscle weakness occur.