What You Should Know About Canine Epilepsy
Providing The Quality Care Your Pet Deserves

Seizure disorders are one of the most common neurological problems in dogs. A seizure can vary from very mild twitching to generalized shaking and loss of consciousness. They can last from a few seconds or up to 5-10 minutes. Witnessing a seizure in your pet can be very difficult and scary. This article may help you to know what to do & expect in the event of a seizure in your pet.

There are many different causes for canine seizures. The most common cause is epilepsy. Epilepsy is a disorder of the electrical and chemical transmissions in the brain. The specific cause of true epilepsy is unknown. Some other causes of seizures include:

• Infection
• Metabolic disorders
• Liver or kidney disease
• Toxicity
• Cancer
• Or a brain structural problem such as hydrocephalus

It is important to try to determine if the cause of the seizures is epilepsy or one of the other disorders, as the treatment may be very different.

What should I do if my dog seizures?

Don't panic! Your dog’s first seizure may be over by the time you can get to the phone or do anything else. It is important to talk quietly to your pet during the seizure. Try to move any objects or furniture out of the way so no other injuries occur. DO NOT PUT YOUR FINGERS INTO THE MOUTH OF A SEIZING ANIMAL (OR PERSON)!
As your pet comes out of the seizure, he may be wobbly and act confused at first. Again, it is important to remain calm and to speak quietly to your pet and comfort him.

How do dogs get epilepsy?

Canine epilepsy is genetic and idiopathic. Genetic means that the tendency for epilepsy to develop is passed along family lines, from one generation to another. Also, some dog breeds show a higher rate of epilepsy than others (“predisposed”). Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, saint bernards, poodles, collies, cocker spaniels and boxers are some of these breeds. Idiopathic means that there is no known cause. Because of this, we cannot truly cure epilepsy, but we can do our best to manage the disease.

Call your veterinarian.

Please call us after your pet has a seizure. She should be examined by the veterinarian, and we normally advise blood tests as well, in order to try to determine the cause. We will discuss seizures and epilepsy, or other cause if found, and how best to proceed. It is important also that the occurrence of seizures be entered into your pet’s medical history. We need to be careful about the use of some medications in dogs that have had seizures in the past.

Keep a journal of your pet's seizures.

It is important to keep track of the frequency, duration, and character of your pet’s seizures. Using a watch or timer is helpful, because it is hard to guess how much time has passed when you are anxious. Also, note what occurred during the seizure - drooling, urination, defecation; were both sides of the body affected or just one? This information helps us to make recommendations about treatment specifically for your pet.

How is the diagnosis of epilepsy made?

The diagnosis of epilepsy is one of exclusion. This means that we first try to eliminate other causes of seizures. Your pet’s age and breed, history of exposure to possible infections or toxins, physical exam, and blood tests can help us determine the likely cause. Sometimes we may even discuss the possibility of having your pet examined by a veterinary neurologist for more advanced testing.

What treatments are available for seizures in dogs?

We choose treatments based on you and your pet’s specific situation. If there has been only one seizure, we often suggest careful monitoring at home and keeping a journal of any seizure activity. If the seizures become more frequent (more than once every 4 to 6 weeks) or more severe (lasting longer than 5 minutes), we often advise the use of an oral medication to help control the episodes.

What are the oral medications currently used as anticonvulsants in dogs?

Phenobarbital usually the first choice medication. It is given orally twice a day, and is generally very effective at controlling the seizures. Sometimes we use another medication, potassium bromide, either instead of phenobarbital, or in addition to it. Again, the choice of medication is based on your pet’s individual needs.

Will this be a life-long problem?

Most dogs with epilepsy need to be on medication for the rest of their lives.
What can I expect after my dog is being treated for epilepsy?
Most dogs respond very well to the medications, and there is a dramatic decrease in the frequency and severity of seizure activity. Sometimes the dose needs to be adjusted from time to time. Unfortunately, the medications are not a cure, and they do not completely prevent all seizures. Our goal is to limit seizure episodes to one a month (or less). It is also important to have your dog’s blood monitored periodically; this is to determine absorption of the medications (getting too much or too little), and to watch for any possible side effects related the the medication.

When is my dog's seizure an emergency?

If your dog’s seizure is lasting longer than 5 minutes, or if they are starting and stopping repeatedly in a short period of time (cluster seizures), you should call right away.
Call us at 631-9740, or call Great Lakes Pet Emergencies at 989-
Epilepsy and seizures are complex disorders, and there are always a lot of questions that arise. Please feel free ask us, We are here to help.