Over-the-Counter Medication for Canine Epilepsy
After your pet has suffered from convulsions, your vet will make a thorough examination by taking blood samples, blood serum profile, and perhaps even a urinalysis. These tests will aid in determining the benefactor of the event, thus providing a clear view as to which treatments should be undergone. If their epileptic activity is habitual and recurrent, hospitalization of the animal may be inevitable. Treatments will involve intravenous anti-convulsants like diazepam or valium in order to control the episodes. Once under control, daily medication will be prescribed for as long as the physician sees fit.
One of the cheapest and most effective anti-convulsants for dogs is Phenobarbital. This drug is overall safe and can be easily tolerated. There are few that will experience a sedative effect until their body adjusts to the medication; this may take up to two weeks. Phenobarbital is given twice a day in 12 hour intervals: it is important to give the medication at the same time each day. Be aware that Phenobarbital can cause liver problems if the use is prolonged; however, it has been known to control around 80% of seizures.
Another anti-convulsant is potassium bromide (KBr) which vets have been using for the past 10 years to control seizures in dogs. At time it is used in conjunction with Phenobarbital and it is 75% effective for fits which cannot be controlled by Phenobarbital alone. KBr is to be given once a day usually at night and causes no liver problems. So if you pet has suffered a seizure, be sure you know what to do and get to the vet as soon as possible so your companion will be put on the right kind of medication promptly.
Toy Dog Breeds with Syringomyelia
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small sized spaniel that is often called a “toy†breed. They are a highly popular breed in the United States and the United Kingdom. With its glossy smooth coat and a tail that is not bobbed, the breed comes in four colors: Blenheim, Black & Tan, Ruby and Tricolor: which is black, white, and tan. The King Charles was bred with a parent breed that has a flat nose which was a drastic change to its counterpart. Connoisseurs of this pup tried to take the animal back to its origins but were unable to do so successfully.
Unfortunately, this breed suffers from a series of genetic health issues. The most notable of these genetic health issues is mitral valve disease. This affliction can cause the victim to experience heart failure. Most Cavaliers will acquire this disease during some point in their life, as this is their most frequent reason for death.
Adding to their list of hereditary malignancies is Syringomyelia: a genetic issue that affects both the spine and the brain. Said condition can have varying symptoms that range in severity; such as, Partial Paralysis, Severe Pain, and Mild Discomfort. The cause for this issue is the malformation of the lower, back half of the skull; this is called a Chiari Malformation. This occurrence reduces the available room suited for the brain, squeezing it and forcing it through the cavity and into the spinal cord. The blockage of cerebral fluid around the spine and the brain makes the internal blood pressure of the animal rise; in turn, creating fluid pockets within the spinal cord.
With more than 90% of Spaniels incurring said condition, the symptoms for this disease usually show up between six months and four years old. The signs present themselves as frequent scratching of the neck or shoulders on one side of the body and sensitivity in the shoulders, neck and head. A dog that appears to be clumsy or falls down, may also be afflicted by this disease. The pet could also be suffering from primary secretory otitis media or PSOM. The common name for this condition is glue ear. Episodic falling syndrome can also have the same manifestations’ proper diagnoses requires an MRI.
Cavaliers can also be affected by attacks on the central nervous system, which includes the spinal cord, brain, pituitary gland, raquideous bulb, and the cerebellum. Dogs suffering from health problems that affect the spinal cord, namely syringomyelia, will have complications with its reflex actions. The pet may have problems with twitching its ears, blinking its eyes and so on. These occurrences may resemble an epileptic episode.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can also be plagued by ear problems and ocular complications. Adding to the list, this breed often suffers from Hip Dysplasia and Luxating Patella. These progressive defects may not be present at birth but will develop as the pet ages. Diagnosed via x-ray, genetic defects of the knee and femur are also known to occur.
History of the Cavalier Spaniel
The initial listing of a Cavalier residing in the U.S. was in 1952. The Cavalier King Charles Club in the U.S. was founded by Sally Lyon Brown and Elizabeth Spalding. The American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club was founded by a group of people so they could gain recognition by the American Kennel Club. The breed became recognized in 1995 and the initial club became the club of the Cavaliers.
These dogs are among the most popular breeds in the United States: ranked 25th most popular among canines. They are playful, affectionate, eager to please, and patient; they are a great addition to families with children and other pets.
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