Canine Epilepsy: Implications For You And Your Pet

Epilepsy in a dog is not that uncommon. However, it is not the only thing that will cause seizures or episodes. Several other conditions can make your pet convulse, including ingestion of poisons, kidney & liver disease, infections and meningitis to name a few.  All other sources of seizures have to be ruled out before a diagnosis of epilepsy can be arrived at. There are many tests that may be necessary to rule out other conditions. MRI scanning has become available to help speed up the process of diagnosing epilepsy in dogs.

There are certain breeds that seem to have a predisposition towards epilepsy. Some of the breeds that seem to have a higher risk are Collies, Poodles and German Shepherds. However, it can occur in any breed and mixed breeds as well. The first seizure can happen at any age, but it is usually young to middle aged dogs who acquire this condition.

An epileptic seizure or fit is commonly described as an uncontrolled release of electrical discharge in the brain. It causes the animal to shake, tremble and salivate. Sometimes uncontrolled urination and defecation occurs. After a few episodes an owner will begin to understand and learn certain trigger factors that apply to their pet.

In most cases the episode doesn’t last very long, usually it is over before you can take action. There are a variety of medications on the market today which can help to make the seizures less frequent and less severe.

Here are some suggestions on things a person can do for their dog if they have canine epilepsy.

Educate Yourself

A person should learn all they can about canine epilepsy. There are many good and helpful books on this subject. You can search the internet for sites relating to this condition in dogs. There are web support groups and there may be local support groups in your area. These things will help a pet owner to understand the disease and also to give them a support system to lean on.

Record Everything

Keep a journal or diary on your dog’s seizures or any episode that you thought was a seizure. Make sure to record the date, time started and ended. Write down the symptoms and any factors that you think may have triggered the episode. These factors could include change in the dog’s diet, any loud noises and if the canine seemed stressed. If the dog had been ill or had a recent injury be sure to include that in your journal as well. Try to include as many details as possible because your records may hold clues to enable you to be prepared next time.

Pay particular attention to the dog’s behaviour prior to the seizure. Write down things like if the animal started pacing, was sleeping excessively or seemed to be more needy than usual. If you have other animals in the household make sure you pay attention to their reactions to the episode. Pets are often a lot smarter than we give them credit for, and some animals may be able to signal to you when a seizure is about to start.

Be Prepared

Set up a routine to follow when a seizure occurs. A person has to be prepared to have to make an emergency clinic visit in the middle of the night. Make sure there is always fuel in the car and have supplies handy such as towels or blankets. Keep the phone numbers of your vet and emergency animal hospital close at hand at all times. If your pet is having a seizure be sure to keep other pets away and remove any objects that could injure your dog.

Medications

Make sure you keep a supply of daily medication and any emergency medicine the veterinarian supplies. Ensure you have plenty on hand and give the dog its medication at set times every day. It is a good idea to keep on top of the latest research or treatments that become available for dogs with canine epilepsy. Before changing your dog’s medication or trying a new kind of treatment it is wise to discuss this with the vet first.

Establishing a pattern is the key to successful management of canine epilepsy. Discuss with your vet the different options available that pertain to your dog. Medications used for controlling seizures in dogs include Phenobarbitone, Mysoline, Epanutin and Potassium Bromide. Your vet will have you closely monitor your dog and will adjust the amount of medication needed to control seizures in your dog. Once you have started a course of treatment it is imperative that you don’t run out of medication; this is a well known trigger to restarting seizures.

Canine epilepsy can’t be cured but it can be controlled. Even a dog that has its epilepsy under control may have an occasional seizure. This condition can be controlled by medication that is given daily by mouth.

With proper medication a dog with epilepsy can still live a normal life. Dogs with canine epilepsy can live a happy and full life. They can go for walks, play in the park and do almost anything a healthy dog can.

If you are consistent with giving the required daily medication and have your dog seen regularly by your vet you will have many years ahead of you to enjoy your canine companion. You might want to consider getting pet insurance on your dog in case there will be any unforeseen medical expenses in the years to come. This will give your family peace of mind knowing that you will be able to provide medical attention when needed.