Canine Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a disorder in which fits occur repeatedly. Sometimes the fits begin as a result of damage to the brain, but usually there is no apparent reason for the fits. Normally an epileptic animal is otherwise completely healthy.
How do I recognise epilepsy?
Epilepsy is usually first seen in young animals. Six months to five years of age is typical for the first fit. Each fit usually lasts 1-2 minutes but may be longer in some individuals. In a typical fit, the dog will lie on its side and alternate between rigidly straightening out its head and neck and performing jerking, paddling movements with its legs. There may be partial or complete loss of consciousness. Also, there may be loss of control of motions and urine. Apart from the actual fit, you may also notice strange behaviour before and after the fit. For example, your dog may appear restless or behave oddly before the fit. After the fit, he may be sleepy or restless. Some dogs become very affectionate and others seem abnormally hungry or thirsty. Each epileptic dog will have its own individual signs.
Why does epilepsy occur?
No one really knows why true epilepsy occurs. Your veterinary surgeon may wish to rule out other causes of fits, since fits may occur for other reasons than epilepsy. Inheritance probably plays an important role in true canine epilepsy. Breeds which seem particularly susceptible include the German Shepherd, Beagle, Poodle, Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever and Welsh Springer Spaniel. Males are more likely to be affected than females.
Is my dog in pain during a fit?
Most epileptics are unconscious during a fit and appear to experience only a few minor aches and pains afterwards. Canine seizures are far more painful to the owner.
Is there a cure?
No. Unfortunately an epileptic dog will always be at risk of having a fit, however, treatment can be very successful, sometimes completely stopping fits occurring or more often resulting in reduced frequency, duration or severity of fits.
Can I do anything to prevent epilepsy?
If you have an epileptic dog, it would be unwise to breed from him or to repeat the mating that produced him. The same applies to an epileptic bitch. With an epileptic bitch, the frequency of fits may increase around the time of her season, thus it may be advisable to have her spayed.
Why should epilepsy be treated?
You may find fits both upsetting and inconvenient. However, most dogs with seizures can live happy, pain-free, long lives. There are good medical reasons for treating epilepsy. Apart from the obvious distress to yourself when you witness a fit, the time spent in a fit can cause damage or loss of brain cells. Over time this may lead to a loss of personality. Also, each time a fit occurs it makes additional fits more likely.
When should epilepsy be treated?
This is best discussed with your veterinary surgeon, however, some guidelines for treatment are:
- if fits occur more frequently than once every 4 - 6 weeks.
- If fits occur in clusters (several in one day).
- If fits last longer than 5 to 10 minutes.
It is useful to time the fit by the clock and inform your veterinary surgeon exactly how long it lasts.
What can I expect from treatment?
Each dog responds differently to anticonvulsant therapy. Although complete elimination of fits is desirable, it is not always possible. Successful treatment means reduced frequency, shorter duration and/or reduced severity of fits.
Canine Epilepsy: Rules for Treatment.
- Effectiveness of the treatment should not be judged for a least 2 weeks, thus giving the medication a chance.
- It is normal for your veterinary surgeon to start treatment at a lower dose rate and then work up to find the most suitable dose for your dog. it is possible that one or more blood tests will be needed to help with these adjustments.
- Medication should not be changed or stopped suddenly. An emergency state of continuous fitting may follow.
- Medication may be required twice daily for life. It must not be discontinued prematurely.
- No single drug or combination works in all cases. Each dog must be treated individually. Adjustments in dose and frequency of administration may be required. This should only be done under the guidance of your veterinary surgeon.
- You should keep records of the dates and times that fits occur. Your veterinary surgeon may need to make several dose adjustments before the best one for your dog is found. Records of fits are very helpful for this.
- Drugs should be stored in a safe place, out of reach of children.
What should I do if my dog has a fit?
Once your dog is having a fit there is nothing you, the owner, can do to stop it. Dogs do not seem to swallow their tongues, so do not put your hand near your dog's mouth, as you may be accidentally bitten. Move objects and people out of the way. Do not move or handle your dog during a fit unless he is likely to damage himself e.g. is at the top of the stairs or near a fire. If this is the case, roll him / her onto a blanket and pull clear of harm. Once your dog has come out of the fit, keep him in a quietened room to recover fully. Record the fit. If the fit is lasting longer than normal, for more than 10 minutes or fits are occurring more often than once per hour, contact your veterinary surgeon immediately.
What is the long term outlook?
Most epileptic dogs can have a normal, happy, long life. In some cases it may be possible to wean a dog off treatment. However, do not alter treatment without consultation with your veterinary surgeon.
This page was originally produced in conjunction with Vetoquinol UK Limited.