Medical treatment is generally advised for dogs with epilepsy experiencing one or more seizures per month. Haphazard administration of prescribed medicines is worse than no treatment at all, and may cause status epilepticus, a life threatening condition where the brain is in a state of persistent seizure. Successful drug treatment for dogs with epilepsy depends upon the owner’s dedication to delivering the drug exactly as prescribed by the veterinarian.
Drug concentration in your pet is more important for seizure control than daily dosage.
Work with your veterinarian in observing and testing to ensure your canine receives the appropriate drug amounts to achieve control and avoid side effects. Alternative therapies, including acupuncture and vitamin therapy, are usually not considered substitutes for drug therapy but used in conjunction. Some forms of epilepsy in dogs respond to supplementation of vitamin B6, magnesium, and manganese. A veterinarian might advise euthanasia only in extreme cases where seizures cannot be controlled.
Epilepsy is found in all pure breeds and mixed breeds of dogs. Epilepsy in the general dog population is estimated at .5 to 5.7%.
Epilepsy in dogs is one cause of seizures; dog breeds more prone include Keeshond, Tervueren, Cocker Spaniel, Poodle, Collie, German Shepherd, Irish Setter, Golden Retriever, Dachshund, Labrador Retriever, Saint Bernard, Miniature Schnauzer, Siberian Husky, and Wire-haired Terrier. What causes this “hereditary†(also known as primary) epilepsy is not known for certain. A genetic basis for primary epilepsy in dogs is possible if there is a familial history of seizures; however, a diagnosis of primary epilepsy is not proof of a genetic defect. Only DNA and breeding studies could prove that.
Diagnosis of epilepsy is made primarily by ruling out other possibilities, and not based on diagnostics.
Some use the term epilepsy to describe recurrent seizures of any cause, while others use the term epilepsy to describe recurrent seizures not related to disorders of the brain or other underlying disease processes. Epilepsy can also be described as idiopathic — arising spontaneously or from an unknown cause.
Primary epilepsy.
Primary canine epilepsy manifests by a first seizure between 6 months and 5 years. Epilepsy between 1-3 years usually suggests a genetic factor. At 4 years and older, epilepsy commonly suggests a metabolic problem such as hypoglycemia (lower than normal level of glucose/blood sugar), cardiovascular arrhythmia, hypocalcaemia (low blood calcium level), cirrhosis or neoplastic (abnormal growth of tissue) brain tumor. Epilepsy in dogs is also associated with hypothyroidism, an inherited autoimmune disease of purebreds.
During the tonic phase of a grand mal seizure, the dog falls, loses consciousness, extends its limbs rigidly, and respiration pauses (apnea). This phase usually lasts 10-30 seconds before the clonic phase begins.
Clonic phase.
The clonic phase involves muscle rigidity and violent muscle contractions. The clonic phase can include paddling of legs and paws and/or chewing, pupil dilation, salivation, urination and defecation. A dog with a mild seizure may have little or no rigid extension of limbs, paddling or loss of consciousness. Generalized seizures (involving both sides of the brain) are usually associated with primary epilepsy.
Petit mal seizure is very rare.
A petit mal seizure (abnormal electrical discharge in brain) in dogs with epilepsy is very rare and only diagnosed by specific clinical signs and EEG abnormalities. Signs of unconsciousness, loss of muscle tone, blank staring, and upward rotation of eyes will last only seconds.
Partial seizures.
Partial seizures are restricted to one area of the body, evidenced by muscle jerking, movement of one limb, turning the head or bending the body to one side, or facial twitches.
Complex partial seizures.
Seizures in dogs with epilepsy that are described as complex partial seizures are evidenced by bizarre complex behaviors that are repeated during each seizure, such as lip movements, chewing, fly biting, aggressive actions, vocalization, hysterical running, cowering or hiding, in an otherwise normal dog. Complex partial seizures include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal distress, salivation, blindness, unusual thirst or appetite, or biting itself.
Cluster seizures.
Cluster seizures are multiple seizures within a short period of time with brief periods of consciousness in between.
Status epilepticus.
Status epilepticus seizures in dogs can occur as one continuous seizure lasting half hour or more, or a series of multiple seizures in a short time with no periods of normal consciousness. Status epilepticus and frequent cluster seizures are both considered life-threatening emergencies, and can occur with either primary or secondary epilepsy, and may suddenly arise in dogs with no previous history of seizures.
When a cause for seizures can be established it is referred to as secondary epilepsy in dogs. Common causes of seizures in puppies less than a year old are classified as degenerative; developmental (hydrocephalus); toxins (lead, arsenic, organophosphates, chlorinated hydrocarbons, strychnine, tetanus); infectious (distemper, encephalitis); metabolic (transient hypoglycemia, enzyme deficiency, liver or kidney failure); nutritional (thiamine, parasitism); and traumatic (severe injury).
By: Jay Jacovitz
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