What to do if your dog has epilepsy? Key facts and common misconceptions
László Enikő
2020. June 29 - Photos: Getty Images Hungary
László Enikő
2020. June 29 - Photos: Getty Images Hungary
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders in dogs. Seizures can be triggered by almost anything, and the symptoms can be many and varied. Despite this, it is highly controllable, contrary to misconceptions.
The word epilepsy is actually a catch-all term. It covers any symptom complex that causes a disturbance in the brain by upsetting the balance of excitatory and inhibitory processes, resulting in recurrent seizures. This is caused by persistent or constant excitation of nerve cells in the cerebral cortex. It can occur at certain intervals, temporarily, but also without any underlying cause. The disease may still exist even if your pet does not show the typical twitching symptoms.
It’s important to get a professional medical check-up, because even chocolate, xylitol or various medicines can trigger seizures. So are diabetes, kidney failure and liver problems, but these should not be confused with epilepsy itself. Such cases are called epileptiform seizures.
Symptoms similar to epilepsy are produced by psychogenic dream seizures, which are triggered by the dog’s anxiety. This can happen if he was home alone that day, was not taken out for a walk on time, or was not fed when he usually eats, for example. Typically these attacks occur in the evening, when your pet will start to twitch, shake or whine. This painful, constricted state of consciousness can be interrupted by a strong physical shock or shaking.
Primary or unknown octane: when no brain lesion can be detected by tests. It can occur as a birth defect in certain breeds, typically Labradors, Dachshunds, Poodles, Spaniels, German Shepherds.
Secondary or symptomatic: when there is some kind of lesion in the brainstem.
Contrary to misconceptions, a dog doesn’t just have a seizure when it falls and twitches. In many cases, that’s why owners don’t even suspect that their pet has epilepsy, because they immediately think of a picture of it when they hear the name of the disease. It is often years before a seizure with such severe symptoms occurs, even though the dog may have shown signs of the disease before.
If your pet often shows the symptoms below, you should see a vet:
The video below shows what an epileptic seizure looks like in a dog:
Many people do not want to adopt a pet with epilepsy into their family, even though in most cases the problem is easily treatable and manageable. Medicines prescribed by your vet can significantly improve the quality of life for your four-legged friend, who can live a completely seizure-free life.
It’s also worth trying natural formulations. Certain enzymes and probiotics can have a great effect on your pet. You can buy these capsules from many places, but it’s worth asking your vet what they recommend for your dog and how much.
Another increasingly popular treatment is CBD, also known as hemp oil extract. You should give a few drops of this daily (in proportion to your pet’s weight), but check with your vet before you start. Over time, great results can be achieved.
It’s important to get epilepsy tested and treated professionally, as medical advances have made it a truly manageable problem. Otherwise, the problem may get worse and you could be at risk of permanent anaesthesia.
The Epilepsy Dog Foundation aims to educate the lay public about the disease and make them understand that it is not a fatal disease, but a condition that is treatable (contrary to misconceptions). It also draws the attention of breeders to the fact that regular genetic testing could be used to detect this brain dysfunction. Many owners have reported that 20-25% of vets recommend anaesthesia for pets who are experiencing epileptic symptoms. They also try to dispel many misconceptions in their minds.
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