Canine Ketone Levels & Seizures

Ketones are produced in the liver and kidneys as a byproduct of the breaking down of fatty acids. Ketones are released as a source of energy for the heart and brain when food ingestion is reduced. It has been found that higher ketone levels in humans can reduce the effects of seizures.

  1. Ketone Levels and Seizures in Humans

    • In humans, a "ketone diet" involves significantly reducing carbohydrate and increasing fat intake in order to stimulate the use of ketones as an energy source. In young people this has been found to have a 60 percent success rate in improving seizure control.

    Ketones and Canine Seizures

    • The application of the ketone diet in canines has been tested in order to reduce canine seizures. A key issue is that canines are less susceptible to the effects of food limitation; a dog is less likely to release sufficient amounts of ketones as the species has evolved to become accustomed to extended periods of hunger. If the seizures are not caused by epilepsy, there is no evidence that ketone levels will affect them.

    Other Effects of Ketones in Canines

    • Increasing ketone levels in canines can be harmful. Since ketone production requires a high fat diet, the animal might suffer from weight gain, high cholesterol and blood pressure as well as acquiring heart problems. Due to the lack of proper research into ketone levels in canines, it is recommended that veterinary-approved treatments such as courses of bromide or phenobarbitone be used to treat seizures in canines.