EPILEPSY IN DOGS: DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT
Post no-1453 Dt-14/01/2020
Compiled & shared by-DR RAJESH KUMAR SINGH, JAMSHEDPUR, 9431309542,rajeshsinghvet@gmail.com
Like humans, dogs can suffer from seizures, too. Unfortunately, they’re not always obvious.
That’s because there are many different types, depending on the cause. Medical experts now believe that seizures aren’t a disease, so much as a sign of something wrong. It’s a symptom rather than a disease.
Epilepsy is a chronic condition that causes repeated seizures (which may be described by terms such as ‘fits’ or ‘funny turns’), and is the most common chronic (long term) neurological disorder in dogs. In most cases epilepsy is a lifelong disease. A seizure occurs when there is abnormal electrical activity in the brain which leads to sudden but short-lived changes in a dog’s behaviour and/or movement. Some breeds may be more predisposed to epilepsy than others and their prevalence may be higher than others. Dogs may lose consciousness during an epileptic seizure, but not always.
Epileptic attacks can recur anywhere from monthly to several times a day, and you may not be able to find any triggering event or condition. When a seizure passes, so does the immediate danger–but there’s no question that it’s time to see the vet for a thorough examination.
Symptoms Of Epilepsy In Dogs
The signs of epilepsy in dogs can be alarming, to say the least. There are few things more terrifying for a dog owner than to see a beloved pet suddenly fall on their side, legs stretched straight and rigid, head twisting, lips pulled back to expose their teeth.
These are classic signs of a grand mal seizure, and they can make for an endless few minutes. An hour later, your dog may be romping through the yard while you’re still trying to settle your nerves.
Because much of the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy depends on the dog owner’s ability to provide a vet with details, it’s important to write down as much as you can about the episode as soon as it’s over.
Types Of Seizures In Dogs
Here are signs of the most common types of seizures; all of them warrant a intervention by the vet:
• Generalized seizures. The dog falls down and may lose consciousness. The limbs extend rigidly, and breathing may stop for ten to 30 seconds. The dog may begin paddling their limbs and making chewing motions. They may salivate, urinate, or defecate. However, it’s possible for the symptoms to seem mild enough that you notice very little change.
• Partial seizures. These begin with one area of the body, such as a jerking movement in one limb, facial twitching, or turning the head or bending the body to one side. It may or may not progress to a generalized seizure, so it’s important to note how it begins.
• Complex partial seizures–also called a behavioral or psychomotor seizure. In humans, these are associated with distortions of normal thought processes, leading to fear and possibly accompanied by strange visions, smells, or sounds. These frightening seizures may be similar in dogs, who exhibit aggression, biting at imaginary flies, running and hiding or cowering, flank biting, diarrhea, vomiting, or unusual thirst or hunger.
• Cluster seizures. These can occur in bunches and appear as any of the above, with short periods of consciousness in between. Seizures of this type require immediate medical attention.
• Status epilepticus. These appear to be single seizures that last half an hour or more. The main difference between these and cluster seizures is that there are no periods of consciousness between episodes. This is life-threatening and requires immediate attention.
Stages Of Seizures In Dogs
There are three stages to a seizure. It’s easiest to identify the three stages during a generalized seizure:
• The aura phase signals the start of a seizure. Dogs may show signs of nervousness, trembling, hysterical running, and apprehension.
• The ictus phase is the actual seizure itself. It includes the classic symptoms of rigid muscle tone described above.
• The postictus phase is marked by confusion and disorientation. Dogs may be conscious but not yet functional.
How to Tell If Your Dog is Having a Seizure
To answer that, we first have to get a little technical. The medical term for a seizure is “ictus” – a convulsion or some type of fit, such as uncontrollable muscular activity. This happens because something’s thrown a wrench in the brain’s normal functions. An ictus goes through three phases
1. The Pre-Ictal Phase (also called “an aura”
During this period, your dog will start acting strangely. They could suddenly:
• Start to Cling to You
• Hide
• Appear Nervous
• Become Restless
• Whine
• Shake
• Salivate more than normal
This can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few hours. In other words, your dog already knows something bad is about to happen and that there’s nothing anyone can do about it.
2. The Ictal Phase
This is the actual seizure, itself, and can last anywhere from a few seconds to five minutes. One or several things can happen:
• Absence or Psychomotor Seizures
They start hallucinating… or so doctors think, because your dog tunes out and appears to stare off into space. They could also start barking or biting at invisible things or start chasing their tails obsessively. This is the most dangerous because it isn’t always possible to tell whether your dog is having a seizure or if your pup is just being dopey.
• Focal or partial seizures
Only one side of their brain is having a fit, so only one side of their body starts convulsing. It could happen on one side of their face, or it could look like a spasm on some part of their body.
• Grand mal seizures
Also called “generalized seizures,” both sides of the brain are going through abnormal electrical activity. As such, the entire body starts convulsing. This is the most obvious sign of a seizure and can be scary to watch.Your dog will pass out and fall on one side and shake. This is an epileptic fit. If they didn’t hit their head, weren’t poisoned, or aren’t suffering from some known medical problem, doctors will say they have “idiopathic epilepsy” – meaning they have no idea what’s causing it, so it’s probably genetic.During a grand mal seizure, your dog will start convulsing while paddling their legs like they’re swimming. Sometimes, they’ll also throw their heads back as if trying to touch their backs with their noses. Some foam at the mouth, others poop and pee. Each dog reacts slightly differently.
3. The Post-Ictal Phase
Once the seizure is over, your dog won’t recover right away. They’ll be dazed and restless. They could even suffer from temporary blindness, so expect a lot of stumbling, bumping into walls, and whatnot. Excessive drooling is also normal during this phase.
Causes Of Epilepsy In Dogs
Some three percent of dogs have idiopathic epilepsy, meaning there’s no known cause. These account for 80 percent of epileptic seizures.
Epilepsy is an inherited disorder in some breeds, including Beagles, Dachshunds, Keeshonds, German Shepherds, and Belgian Tervurens. These dogs will usually start showing symptoms between six months and five years of age if they have the condition.
Other causes of canine epilepsy can be wide-ranging, including:
• Past trauma to the head
• Exposure to toxic materials
• Infections, such as distemper or encephalitis
• Metabolic causes, such as hypoglycemia or liver failure
• Brain tumor
• Degenerative diseases
Common Causes of Canine Seizure
There is no single cause for canine seizures, but the following are known to be major factors:
• Anemia
• Brain Cancer
• Electrolyte Imbalance
• Encephalitis
• High or Low Blood Sugar
• Kidney Disease
• Liver Disease
• Poisoning
• Stroke
• Traumatic Injury to the Head
Common Dog Breeds for Epilepsy
Your dog’s genetics are a major contributor to their risk of having seizures. Some breeds are known to have a greater risk of idiopathic epilepsy and the seizures they cause, including:
• Australian Shepherds
• Beagles
• Belgian Tervurens
• Border Collies
• Cocker Spaniels
• Collies
• Dachshunds
• German Shepherds
• Golden Retrievers
• Irish Setters
• Keeshonds
• Labrador Retrievers
• Poodles
Caring for Your Dog During a Seizure
Don’t Panic
Dogs are very sensitive to their owner’s moods, so if you freak out, you’ll only make them feel worse. It might help to know that even if your dog goes through a grand mal seizure and looks like they’re auditioning for the canine version of “The Exorcist,” they’re not actually in pain.
The exception is if they bite their tongues. If that happens, don’t try to stop it by sticking your hand in their mouths. They could bite you without meaning to or even knowing they’re doing it. Nor should you worry if they start foaming at the mouth. They’re not suffering from rabies – it’s just the seizure.
Keep Your Distance
They could be hallucinating, mistake you for someone unfriendly, and attack. If your dog is having a psychomotor seizure, stay away until the seizure is over and your dog has had time to become aware of their surroundings.
Comfort Your Dog
A grand mal seizure needs a lot of TLC on your part, so gently hold and comfort your dog till it passes. Keep them away from sharp and hard objects so they don’t hurt themselves and try to cushion their heads. They’ll be confused upon recovery, even temporarily blinded, so keeping them away from stairs is also a good idea.
Time the Seizure
It will be challenging but try to time the seizure if you can. If the seizure lasts for two to three minutes, your dog’s going to suffer from hyperthermia (overheating). If that happens, use cold water or apply wet towels to their groin, neck, paws, and head to cool them down.
Isolate Other Pets from Seizing Dog
If you have several dogs, keep them away from the one that’s having a seizure. When in a pack, dogs are programmed to attack injured animals because that’s how their ancestors survived for goodness knows how long. Physically separate your other pets, until your dog’s seizure has ended.
Treatment For Epilepsy In Dogs
To treat and diagnose epilepsy in your dog, your vet will begin with a complete physical and neurological exam and then will probably take a blood sample, a urinalysis, and other tests.
Epilepsy can’t be cured, nor can it be prevented in most cases when the cause is idiopathic, or unknown. However, there are a number of drugs available that can help control symptoms. Once diagnosed and treated, there’s a good chance your dog can go on to live a fairly normal, healthy life.
Phenobarbital is the drug most often prescribed for canine epilepsy. It can be given in liquid or pill form, typically twice a day. It’s very important to be vigilant with treatment and never to take a dog off a drug “cold turkey,” as this can trigger a bad seizure. Phenobarbital is available only with a prescription.
Some dogs, especially those with liver disease, are prescribed potassium bromide. Valium is another drug used to treat epilepsy when a dog doesn’t tolerate phenobarbital well, or it may be used together with other medications.
Your vet can advise you and prescribe treatment. They may also recommend that you block off stairs or dangerous places in the house where a dog might fall and injure themselves during a seizure. Follow your vet’s instructions closely.
Medication is usually only given in a few instances:
• If your dog experiences cluster seizures
• Seizures occur more than once a month
• Your dog experiences a seizure lasting longer than three minutes
In such cases, your dog will be given an anticonvulsant (something that prevents convulsions) – usually phenobarbital or potassium bromide. If that happens, then it’s for life.
Studies show that if a dog starts on anticonvulsants then stops taking them, they run the risk of getting more severe seizures in the future. Your final job, then, is to make sure they stay on their meds for the rest of their lives.
