Canine epilepsy is a condition that deeply affects both pets and their owners. When a dog with epilepsy experiences a seizure, it is not only a physically disruptive experience for the animal, but also an emotionally taxing situation for the owner. This blog delves into the world of canine epilepsy, providing insight into the symptoms, causes, and treatments, and offering practical advice for managing a dog with epilepsy.
By raising awareness and sharing information, we strive to provide pet owners with the tools they need to help their epileptic dogs live full, happy, and healthy lives.
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy in dogs is a chronic condition characterized by the recurrent occurrence of uncontrolled and sudden electrical disturbances in the brain, resulting in seizures. These seizures can range from mild, such as momentary staring or apparent absence, to severe, with intense physical convulsions, loss of consciousness, and sometimes even aggression without recognition of surroundings or owners. Primary or idiopathic is when the cause is unknown, while secondary epilepsy may arise from a specific underlying condition such as a brain tumor, trauma, or infection. Diagnosis is typically based on medical history, symptoms, and exclusion of other causes. Although epilepsy cannot be cured, it can often be effectively managed with medications that reduce the frequency and severity of seizures, significantly improving the dog’s quality of life.
How does epilepsy develop in dogs?
Epilepsy in dogs is caused by abnormal, uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain, resulting in recurrent seizures. The condition can be divided into primary (idiopathic) epilepsy, where there is no clear cause and genetic factors are thought to be involved, and secondary epilepsy, which is the result of a specific underlying condition such as brain injury, tumors, infections, or metabolic disorders.
Primary epilepsy is thought to be inherited, especially in certain breeds that are more prone. Secondary epilepsy occurs when environmental factors or health conditions disrupt normal brain function, resulting in seizures. Despite extensive research, the exact mechanism of how seizures occur remains elusive in many cases, partly because the brain is complex and the causes of epilepsy can be diverse. Effective management of epilepsy in dogs requires accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause, if any, to allow for targeted treatment.
What to do in case of an epileptic seizure?
When a dog experiences a seizure, it is crucial to remain calm and take the following steps to ensure the safety of both the dog and the owner:
1. Provide a safe environment
Remove sharp or hard objects from the dog’s vicinity to prevent injury. Make sure the dog cannot hurt itself on furniture, stairs, or other potentially dangerous obstacles.
2. Time the Attack
Note how long the seizure lasts. This is important information for the veterinarian to assess the severity of the epilepsy and to formulate a treatment plan.
3. Minimize stimulation
Dim the lights, reduce noises, and try to create a calm environment. Excessive sensory stimuli can make the situation worse for the dog.
4. Do not touch the dog’s mouth
Do not try to control or hold the dog’s mouth or tongue. There is no risk of the dog swallowing its tongue, and by trying to open the mouth you can injure both yourself and the dog.
5. Provide comfort after the attack
After a seizure, a dog may be disoriented or even temporarily blind. Stay calm and offer comfort with your presence, but do not force physical contact. Allow the dog to recover at its own pace.
6. Consult a veterinarian
If this is the first time your dog has had a seizure, if the seizure lasts longer than a few minutes, or if the seizures occur repeatedly (cluster seizures), it is essential to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. The veterinarian can investigate the cause of the seizures and recommend appropriate treatment.
Effective management of epilepsy in a dog requires close observation and communication with a veterinarian to ensure the best possible care and quality of life for your dog.
Phases of an Epileptic Seizure
An epileptic seizure in a dog usually goes through three phases:
1. Aura of prodrome
This is the pre-seizure phase, during which a dog may show changes in behavior. The dog may become restless, show clingy behavior, hide, or seem unusually nervous. This phase can last from a few minutes to hours and is not always recognizable to the owner as part of an epileptic seizure.
2. Stroke
This is the actual seizure phase, during which the dog will exhibit the typical symptoms of an epileptic seizure. These can range from mild tremors and absence to severe convulsions, with muscle twitching, foaming at the mouth, falling over, and uncontrolled urination or defecation. This phase usually lasts from a few seconds to a few minutes.
3. Postictal phase
After the seizure, the dog enters the recovery phase, where he may be disoriented, confused, or even temporarily blind. Some dogs show increased thirst or hunger. This phase varies in duration, from a few minutes to several hours, and requires patience and care from the owner to help the dog recover.
Each phase of a dog’s epileptic seizure has its own unique characteristics and requires customized care and understanding from the owner to best support the dog.
Causes of epilepsy in dogs
Epilepsy in dogs can be caused by several factors and is generally classified into three main categories: idiopathic epilepsy, structural epilepsy, and reactive seizures.
1. Idiopathic epilepsy
- This is the most common form of epilepsy in dogs and is characterized by recurrent seizures with no identifiable underlying cause.
- Genetic factors often play a role, with some breeds such as the Beagle, Labrador Retriever, and Golden Retriever showing a higher predisposition.
- Idiopathic epilepsy usually manifests in young to middle-aged dogs.
2. Structural epilepsy
- Structural epilepsy refers to seizures that are caused by a specific brain abnormality, such as a tumor, brain inflammation (encephalitis), trauma, infection, or vascular disease.
- MRI scans and other diagnostic tests may be used to identify the underlying structural cause.
3. Reactive epileptic seizures
- Reactive seizures are the result of metabolic problems or toxins affecting the brain, but are not caused by brain abnormalities themselves.
- Examples of causes include liver disease (hepatic encephalopathy), kidney failure, low or high blood sugar, electrolyte imbalances, and poisoning.
It is important to consult a veterinarian for a thorough evaluation if a dog is experiencing seizures. An accurate diagnosis is essential to determining the most effective treatment and management of the condition.
How can epilepsy in dogs be treated?
Treatment for epilepsy in dogs focuses on reducing the frequency, duration, and severity of seizures. Although epilepsy cannot usually be completely cured, effective management can significantly improve the dog’s quality of life. Diet and lifestyle modifications, including stress reduction, help manage the condition. Regular follow-up with your veterinarian is essential to assess the effectiveness of treatment and adjust it as necessary. In some cases, additional treatment may be necessary to address the underlying causes of secondary epilepsy.
Medication
Medication is a cornerstone of canine epilepsy treatment, with the goal of reducing the frequency and severity of seizures, thereby significantly improving the animal’s quality of life. PHENobarbital and levETIRAcetam are two of the most commonly used anti-epileptic medications. PHENobarbital, known for its effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, works by reducing the activity in the brain that can cause seizures. LevETIRAcetam, a newer drug with fewer side effects, is often used in combination with other medications for a synergistic effect. Zonisamide is another effective medication, valued for its relatively safe profile. Careful veterinary management, including regular monitoring and dosage adjustments, is essential to achieve optimal results and ensure the dog’s health.
Take out dog insurance for epilepsy in a dog
Owning a dog with epilepsy not only brings emotional concerns, but can also pose financial challenges due to the cost of diagnostics, treatment, and ongoing care. Therefore, purchasing pet insurance is a wise decision for owners of dogs suffering from this condition. Good pet insurance often covers the cost of medication, veterinary visits, and any special treatments needed to manage your dog’s condition. This can alleviate a significant financial burden and give owners peace of mind that their beloved pet can receive the best possible care without the cost being a barrier. On our website, petinsurance-compare.com, we provide comprehensive information about pet insurance and present a wide range of insurance options. This makes it easy to compare different plans and choose the one that best suits the needs of your dog with epilepsy.
