To wrap up the season, Mark and Emma focus on the broader support network behind every epilepsy case. From front of house answering panicked calls, to nurses reinforcing care plans, and vets navigating chronic uncertainty with owners, epilepsy management is shown to be a true team effort. With honesty, humour and deep practical insight, this episode offers a thoughtful guide to building trust, setting expectations, and supporting owners as much as patients. As a bonus, Mark also ends this episode sharing some of his fascinating experience diagnosing seizures in exotic animals - from snakes to penguins!Access Dômes Pharma Vet resources at domespharma.co.uk/the-vet-vault/Access My Epileptic Pet at myepilepticpet.co.uk
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32:36
S.M.A.R.T – R for Recognising Feline Epilepsy
Cats are not small dogs - and feline epilepsy brings its own set of diagnostic and management challenges. Mark and Emma explore how seizures present differently in cats, the limitations of relying on canine-centric assumptions, and the importance of identifying subtle focal signs. They also take a deep dive into Feline Audiogenic Reflex Seizures, often referred to as Tom and Jerry Syndrome. A must-listen for anyone treating older cats with strange twitching episodes, sound sensitivities or suspected neurological change.Access Dômes Pharma Vet resources at domespharma.co.uk/the-vet-vault/
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S.M.A.R.T – A for Adjunctive Medications & Alternative Therapies
When first-line treatment isn’t enough, what next? Emma and Mark explore the role of additional anti-epileptic medications such as potassium bromide, levetiracetam and more. With an evidence-based view of expectations and side effects, they also dive into complementary approaches. From MCT diets and CBD oil to the emerging relevance of the gut-brain axis, this episode helps clinicians navigate a crowded therapeutic space with evidence, empathy and nuance.Access Dômes Pharma Vet resources at domespharma.co.uk/the-vet-vault/
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S.M.A.R.T – M for Mimics
Not all that fits is epilepsy. In this episode, Mark shares his enthusiasm for movement disorders, behavioural episodes, and other conditions that often masquerade as seizures. From paroxysmal dyskinesia to syncope and gastrointestinal links to neurological signs, Emma and Mark explore the importance of detailed histories, video footage, and trial therapy. The discussion covers both generalised and focal seizures, the use of phenobarbital diagnostically, and highlights the subtle but important signs that differentiate true seizures from their mimics.Access Dômes Pharma Vet resources at domespharma.co.uk/the-vet-vault/
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S.M.A.R.T – S for Status Epilepticus
In this opening episode of Season 2, Mark and Emma tackle one of the most urgent neurological presentations: status epilepticus. They break down what actually defines this emergency and why timing and clarity matter when managing these critical cases. With practical advice for triage, treatment protocols, and ongoing support for these patients, this episode offers clinicians a confident roadmap for one of the most stressful scenarios in practice.Access Dômes Pharma Vet resources at domespharma.co.uk/the-vet-vault/
Welcome to the Synaptic Tails podcast, where neurology meets practical tips in veterinary care. Hosted by Dr Emma Hancox, a Technical Vet Advisor at Dômes Pharma UK, alongside Dr Mark Lowrie of Movement Referrals.
In each episode, we explore the challenges of managing epilepsy cases in first-opinion practice - sharing clinical insights, lived experience, and practical strategies to support your patients and your team.
Season 1 introduced Dômes Pharma UK’s S.M.A.R.T. Approach to Epilepsy, offering step-by-step support on seizure management. In Season 2, we build on that foundation with even more focused conversations - tackling status epilepticus, seizure mimics, feline epilepsy, adjunctive therapies, and the power of teamwork in chronic care.
Join us as we unravel the complexities of veterinary neurology, share real-world stories, and empower you with knowledge. Together, let’s enhance the health and happiness of our canine and feline companions.
🌐 Learn more about Dômes Pharma UK: https://domespharma.co.uk
Access Vet Resources from Dômes Pharma UK at https://domespharma.co.uk/the-vet-vault/
🌐 Learn more about Movement Referrals: https://www.movementvets.co.uk
Movement Referrals is an independent, specialist veterinary hospital with practices in the North West and Midlands. Our aim is to provide high-quality but efficient Specialist referral services. We concentrate on orthopaedics and neurology, two of the most common reasons for referrals. We offer common referral procedures, such as TPLO, patellar luxation, and spinal surgery, at reasonable prices.
One of our fundamental philosophies is "getting it right first time." We not only provide more choice at better value, but we aim to objectively demonstrate our value through measuring and publishing our
UK