by Melissa A. Bartell

Created on: March 10, 2009

Epilepsy in dogs, just as in humans, is a condition that affects the nervous system causing temporary partial or complete loss of muscle control, or seizures. While it is most common in young dogs (who can sometimes "grow out of" the condition), and older animals suffering from other illnesses, like cancer, it can strike any animal at any time.

Seizures come in two basic types:

Petit Mal seizures are sometimes referred to as partial seizures, and can be so mild that they can go unnoticed. Such seizures may present themselves as the inability to control one limb, unexplainable restlessness, or even freezing in place and seeming absent. These seizures are almost never fatal, but may be precursors to escalating attacks.

Grand Mal seizures, on the other hand, are dramatic and dangerous. During this type of seizure a dog may first show signs of restlessness and insecurity, but will eventually collapse and may lose consciousness. The most violent part of the seizure, or ictal phase, usually involves the animal suffering from convulsions, and falling to the floor, with his or her jaw working uncontrollably, and his feet paddling. The dog may make distressed noises, and will probably void his or her bladder as well, and the entire seizure can be over in under a minute, or last for several hours.

If you see your dog having a seizure, contact your veterinarian immediately, but be aware that they may not be able to do anything after the fact. Most veterinarians will not prescribe drugs on the basis of a single seizure, but will ask you to keep a close eye on your pet and note any strange behavior.

Once the seizures become a regular occurrence, there are two main options for treatment, traditional and alternative therapies.

Traditional medicine generally involves the use of drugs like Phenobarbital or Potassium Bromide. The former is less expensive, and more common, while the latter is a bit milder and does not cause liver problems. Some veterinarians use lower doses of Phenobarbital in combination with Potassium Bromide. If you choose to use traditional drug therapies with your dog, you should be aware that:

-
Anti-seizure medications can affect liver and/or kidney function, so you will need to schedule your dog for regular blood tests.

-
These drugs cannot be stopped cold; your dog must be weaned from them. Not doing so may actually cause seizures.

-
Drugs may take time to become effective, it can be up to a month until there is enough of the substance in your dog's bloodstream.

-

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>