Potassium Bromide (K-BroVet) for Dogs in 2025 🧠

Potassium bromide, sold under the brand name K-BroVet®, is a reliable anti-seizure medication widely used in dogs. Whether used alone or alongside phenobarbital, it can help reduce seizure frequency with fewer side effects. I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, and in this 2025 guide, I’ll explain how potassium bromide works, how it’s monitored, and how to use it safely 🐶💊

🔬 What Is Potassium Bromide?

Potassium bromide is a long-acting anticonvulsant. It works by replacing chloride ions in the brain, making it harder for neurons to fire and trigger seizures. It can be used as:

• ✅ Monotherapy (by itself)
• ✅ Add-on to phenobarbital to reduce the latter’s dose

📋 Formulations

• 💊 Chewable tablets: 250 mg, 500 mg
• 🧴 Flavored oral liquid
• 🧪 Compounded liquids or capsules (for custom dosing)

📆 How It's Given

• 📅 Usually once daily (with or without food)
• 🍽️ Best given with food to reduce nausea and mask bitterness
• ⏳ May take 2–3 months to reach therapeutic levels without loading
• 💉 Loading dose (in hospital) can speed onset, but causes sedation

🧠 Why Use Potassium Bromide?

• 🧩 For dogs that can’t tolerate phenobarbital
• 📉 To reduce phenobarbital side effects
• 🧪 To achieve better seizure control in combo therapy

🐱 Use in Cats

⚠️ NOT recommended in cats. Over one-third of cats develop life-threatening asthma-like lung disease.

⚠️ Side Effects

Common (mild):

• 🤢 Nausea or vomiting
• 💧 Excess thirst and urination
• 😴 Sedation (especially during loading phase)

Serious (rare):

• ⚠️ “Bromism”: muscle tremors, grogginess, weakness, anorexia
• ⚠️ Pancreatitis (especially with concurrent phenobarbital)
• ⚠️ Coughing or bronchitis in sensitive dogs

🧪 Monitoring

Per the ACVIM Consensus Statement:

• 🧬 First level check: 6–12 weeks after starting
• 📊 Recheck every 6–12 months, or sooner if seizures or side effects occur
• 🧪 Check levels two weeks after any dose change

🔄 Drug Interactions

• ⬇️ Diuretics (e.g. furosemide): Increase bromide loss via kidneys
• ⬇️ Salty diets: Reduce bromide blood levels
• ⬆️ Low-salt diets: Can cause bromide accumulation & toxicity
• 📉 Combined with phenobarbital to reduce phenobarbital dose

🚫 Do NOT Use If...

• ❌ Your dog has pancreatitis
• ❌ Your pet has kidney disease or high chloride levels
• ❌ In cats—risk of fatal respiratory side effects

📲 Ask a Vet If...

• 🧠 Your dog has breakthrough seizures
• 🧪 You’re unsure how to interpret bromide blood levels
• ⚠️ You see signs of toxicity like grogginess, nausea, or muscle weakness

Use the Ask A Vet app to consult with a licensed veterinarian for seizure plans, dietary support, and safe medication adjustments 🐶💬

✅ Summary

• ✔️ Potassium bromide is a trusted long-term seizure medication for dogs
• ✔️ Works well alone or with phenobarbital
• ⚠️ Slow onset—monitor blood levels carefully
• ⚠️ Avoid in cats due to risk of respiratory side effects
• ✔️ Mild side effects often resolve; serious ones are rare with proper monitoring

With proper use and regular monitoring, potassium bromide can offer stable, long-term seizure control in dogs 💛

— Dr Duncan Houston BVSc