Epilepsy is a disorder or a manifestation of a group of disorders that dogs can suffer from. Its effects can be tragic. Its consequences can be mild or can induce death. The disease is manageable but not curable. It often affects certain breeds of dogs more than it does others. If you own and love any of these breeds, it is important you recognize the symptoms and understand the disease.

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a disease of neurological origins. In an epileptic dog, the neurons of the brain misfire. It is a puzzling disease for researchers and veterinarians. They do not know the exact cause although conjecture notes causal factors may be:

* Small tumors
* A head trauma produces a small brain hemorrhage
* Genetic predisposition

Factors of Epilepsy

Canines can have epilepsy because of hypoglycemia. Epilepsy can also be idiopathic. This means there does not seem to be any apparent cause. Idiopathic (genetic) epilepsy is most commonly found among certain breeds of canine. These include:

* Beagle
* Belgian Tervuren
* Cocker Spaniel
* Dachshund
* Golden and Labrador Retriever
* Irish Setter
* Keeshond
* Poodle
* Schnauzer

Epilepsy also seems to be age and gendered related. More females than males have the disease. The age of onset seems to be 3.

Symptoms of Epilepsy

There is not a substantial difference among many of the symptoms for dogs and humans. Both mammals can exhibit mild or severe forms of the disease. A mild case frequently consists of loss of consciousness for approximately 60 seconds or more. This is Petit Mal. A severe case produces violent seizures. These can last for not one but several minutes. This is Generalized, tonic-clonic or Grand Mal epilepsy.

Some canines suffer from a series of continuous seizures (status epilectius). This requires careful monitoring and care. If the seizures continue unabated, the result can be death.

Treatment

A dog with casual and minor seizures may receive little or no treatment. When a seizure happens at home, the owner should try to make the dog comfortable. This may involve wrapping him or her in a blanket. Be sure to remove any loud stimulus such as music, loud children and other disturbing noises. Wait until the seizure passes, before taking the dog to the vets. You may not even do so if the seizure is of short duration.

With the more serious forms of epilepsy, medication is possible. Your vet may prescribe any of several anti-epileptic treatments. Anti-epileptic medications include phenobarbital and potassium bromide. In adopting this approach, you are committing yourself and your dog to a lifetime of medication. An alternative is a natural plant-based drug, capable of soothing your canine. This is valerian. It is capable of relaxing your dog while taking care of muscle spasms.

Whether you select alternative or traditional treatment, you will have to make adjustments to your life and that of your dog. Exercise patterns may need to vary. It may become necessary to decrease the regular amount of activity. You may also have to reduce any over-stimulating events or activities. These may help reduce the incidents of seizures.

Conclusion

There is currently no cure for epilepsy. You can only treat the symptoms. Consult your vet about all possible options including such issues as your pet's quality of life, length of life and traditional versus alternative means of treatment. Have all the facts before you arrive at a decision.

Article by Leslie Haley of Oh My Dog Supplies, check out our current selection of small dog clothes & orthopedic dog beds online.

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PGAA: Related Links:

Understanding Your Pet's Epilepsy

Canine Epilepsy