| Epilepsy is the most common neurological condition | | | | theory, which states that if left untreated seizures |
| amongst dogs, affecting an estimated 5% of the | | | | worsen over time. Therefore, early treatment will |
| canine population. A dog with epilepsy will begin to | | | | reduce the number of epileptic fits and, subsequently, |
| display symptoms between the age of 1 and 5 years. | | | | the severity of seizures over a dog's lifetime. |
| Epilepsy is a condition that causes the sufferer to | | | | Currently, there are many available drugs, including |
| experience seizures, which have no physical cause. It | | | | Phenobarbital and potassium bromide. Potassium |
| is believed to have genetic roots and is, therefore, | | | | bromide is believed to have relatively few side effects |
| particularly prevalent in some breeds such as the | | | | and has been used to control epilepsy in humans for |
| golden retriever and Labrador. | | | | over a hundred years. Phenobarbital is thought to offer |
| Of course, seizures can be indicative of a more | | | | better seizure management. However, it can cause |
| serious condition such as a brain tumor or infection. | | | | liver damage, so it is imperative that a dog on this |
| Additionally, there is no test to confirm epilepsy. | | | | medication be checked every six months. |
| Subsequently, it is typically diagnosed after other | | | | If you do choose to place your dog on anti-seizure |
| possibilities have been discounted. | | | | medication, it is essential that you do not suddenly stop |
| As with human epilepsy, canine epilepsy cannot be | | | | the medication. Instead, the drug should be gradually |
| cured. However, owners can take measures to | | | | decreased over a matter of months. Additionally, it is |
| reduce the severity and frequency of a dog's seizures. | | | | advisable to seek the guidance of a vet. |
| There are many opinions over the best way to | | | | Coping with a Seizure |
| manage canine epilepsy. Therefore, it is wise for | | | | Dogs' seizures are very similar to that of humans. |
| owners to familiarize themselves with the treatment | | | | Therefore, the same rules apply: never move the dog |
| options and make a decision based on their dog's | | | | (unless their location places them in immediate danger), |
| specific symptoms. | | | | do not try to restrain their movements. |
| Treatment | | | | Not all dogs experience seizures in the same way. For |
| In many cases of mild to moderate epilepsy, owners | | | | example, 'absent seizures' do not involve muscle |
| may decide not to place their dog on medication. Mild | | | | convulsions; instead, the dog will be awake, but entirely |
| or moderate seizures are typically harmless to the | | | | unresponsive. Another common seizure is known as |
| dog. Although seizures may appear distressing, the | | | | the 'fly bite' seizure, which causes the dog to bite the |
| dog will recover quickly and have no memory of the | | | | air around it. If your dog has epilepsy, it is a good idea |
| incident. This, coupled with the side effects caused by | | | | to become familiar with its particular type of seizures |
| some drugs, leads many owners to decline medication. | | | | and their severity. Any alterations should be cause for |
| On the other hand, severe or cluster seizures can be | | | | consultation with your veterinarian. |
| more serious and in some cases life threatening. In this | | | | After a seizure, you should try to reassure your dog |
| instance, the danger of the seizures will need to be | | | | and keep him, or her, comfortable. Your dog will notice |
| balanced by potential side effects of medication. | | | | your stress, so it is crucial to remain calm. It is also |
| Although cessation of seizures is impossible, a dog's | | | | advisable to check your dog's temperature, as |
| epileptic fits and chances of brain damage or death | | | | seizures can cause overheating. Additionally, your dog |
| should be dramatically reduced by available medication. | | | | is likely to have experienced a drop in blood sugar. |
| Some people believe that it is wise to treat a dog's | | | | Therefore, some owners choose to offer their dog |
| epilepsy as early as possible, even if the symptoms | | | | some vanilla ice cream to boost sugar and cool body |
| are relatively mild, to prevent kindling. Kindling is a | | | | temperature. |