Medical treatment is generally advised for dogs with epilepsy experiencing one or more seizures per month. Haphazard administration of prescribed medicines is worse than no treatment at all, and may cause status epilepticus, a life threatening condition where the brain is in a state of persistent seizure. Successful drug treatment for dogs with epilepsy depends upon the owner's dedication to delivering the drug exactly as prescribed by the veterinarian.
Drug concentration in your pet is more important for seizure control than daily dosage.
Work with your veterinarian in observing and testing to ensure your canine receives the appropriate drug amounts to achieve control and avoid side effects. Alternative therapies, including acupuncture and vitamin therapy, are usually not considered substitutes for drug therapy but used in conjunction. Some forms of epilepsy in dogs respond to supplementation of vitamin B6, magnesium, and manganese. A veterinarian might advise euthanasia only in extreme cases where seizures cannot be controlled.
Epilepsy is found in all pure breeds and mixed breeds of dogs. Epilepsy in the general dog population is estimated at .5 to 5.7%.
Epilepsy in dogs is one cause of seizures; dog breeds more prone include Keeshond, Tervueren, Cocker Spaniel, Poodle, Collie, German Shepherd, Irish Setter, Golden Retriever, Dachshund, Labrador Retriever, Saint Bernard, Miniature Schnauzer, Siberian Husky, and Wire-haired Terrier. What causes this "hereditary" (also known as primary) epilepsy is not known for certain. A genetic basis for primary epilepsy in dogs is possible if there is a familial history of seizures; however, a diagnosis of primary epilepsy is not proof of a genetic defect. Only DNA and breeding studies could prove that.
Diagnosis of epilepsy is made primarily by ruling out other possibilities, and not based on diagnostics.
Some use the term epilepsy to describe recurrent seizures of any cause, while others use the term epilepsy to describe recurrent seizures not related to disorders of the brain or other underlying disease processes. Epilepsy can also be described as idiopathic -- arising spontaneously or from an unknown cause.
Primary epilepsy.
Primary canine epilepsy manifests by a first seizure between 6 months and 5 years. Epilepsy between 1-3 years usually suggests a genetic factor. At 4 years and older, epilepsy commonly suggests a metabolic problem such as hypoglycemia (lower than normal level of glucose/blood sugar), cardiovascular arrhythmia, hypocalcaemia (low blood calcium level), cirrhosis or neoplastic (abnormal growth of tissue) brain tumor. Epilepsy in dogs is also associated with hypothyroidism, an inherited autoimmune disease of purebreds.
During the tonic phase of a grand mal seizure, the dog falls, loses consciousness, extends its limbs rigidly, and respiration pauses (apnea). This phase usually lasts 10-30 seconds before the clonic phase begins.
Clonic phase.
The clonic phase involves muscle rigidity and violent muscle contractions. The clonic phase can include paddling of legs and paws and/or chewing, pupil dilation, salivation, urination and defecation. A dog with a mild seizure may have little or no rigid extension of limbs, paddling or loss of consciousness. Generalized seizures (involving both sides of the brain) are usually associated with primary epilepsy.
Petit mal seizure is very rare.
A petit mal seizure (abnormal electrical discharge in brain) in dogs with epilepsy is very rare and only diagnosed by specific clinical signs and EEG abnormalities. Signs of unconsciousness, loss of muscle tone, blank staring, and upward rotation of eyes will last only seconds.
Partial seizures.
Partial seizures are restricted to one area of the body, evidenced by muscle jerking, movement of one limb, turning the head or bending the body to one side, or facial twitches.
Complex partial seizures.
Seizures in dogs with epilepsy that are described as complex partial seizures are evidenced by bizarre complex behaviors that are repeated during each seizure, such as lip movements, chewing, fly biting, aggressive actions, vocalization, hysterical running, cowering or hiding, in an otherwise normal dog. Complex partial seizures include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal distress, salivation, blindness, unusual thirst or appetite, or biting itself.
Cluster seizures.
Cluster seizures are multiple seizures within a short period of time with brief periods of consciousness in between.
Status epilepticus.
Status epilepticus seizures in dogs can occur as one continuous seizure lasting half hour or more, or a series of multiple seizures in a short time with no periods of normal consciousness. Status epilepticus and frequent cluster seizures are both considered life-threatening emergencies, and can occur with either primary or secondary epilepsy, and may suddenly arise in dogs with no previous history of seizures.
When a cause for seizures can be established it is referred to as secondary epilepsy in dogs. Common causes of seizures in puppies less than a year old are classified as degenerative; developmental (hydrocephalus); toxins (lead, arsenic, organophosphates, chlorinated hydrocarbons, strychnine, tetanus); infectious (distemper, encephalitis); metabolic (transient hypoglycemia, enzyme deficiency, liver or kidney failure); nutritional (thiamine, parasitism); and traumatic (severe injury).
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Few people expect to see seizures in dogs, but they are just as susceptible as humans, and can get seizures for a variety of different reasons, from disease to canine epilepsy. Just as in humans, it can be difficult to recognize dog seizures. Look for the following:
• The appearance of choking (be careful – reaching down his throat for the suspected blockage can result in his jaws snapping shut on your arm)
• Abrupt behavioral changes from relaxed to head shaking, air-batting, fly-catching (when the dog snaps in the air as if at a fly). This may signify the beginning of a seizure, and is likely to be a pattern.
• Tremors, excess drooling, a loss of balance, whining, and spontaneous urination
• Violent convulsions, foaming at the mouth, contortions, uncontrolled urination and/or defecation, scrambling paws, and loss of consciousness
• New symptoms at seizure end like blindness, loss of bladder/bowel control, deafness, confusion, and fear.
The best thing you can do during dog seizures is observe. Move anything that could harm your dog out of reach, and don’t put anything in his mouth. Write down his symptoms, and how long the seizure lasts. If the canine seizure lasts longer than five minutes, immediately seek emergency veterinary care.
While noting his symptoms, comfort him – put your arms around him, or have him sit on your lap. A towel wrapped closely round him may be comforting as well. Don’t let him outside or assume that since the canine seizure’s over he’ll be fine; calm him until you don’t see any symptoms (this can be an hour or more) and call your veterinarian immediately for further advice. Seizures in dogs can be deadly.
Treating Seizures in Dogs
Dog seizures come from many sources, including epilepsy, distemper, and diseases associated with deer ticks like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. If you have an older dog who has never had a seizure before, it may indicate a brain tumor or injury, even months after an accident.
The most likely first step in diagnosing canine seizures is an MRI; have your veterinarian also do a spinal tap to test for diseases.
If you live where deer ticks are common, be sure your dog is dipped every year. Just like humans, dogs are susceptible to Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, which are spread by these ticks. Especially with outdoor dogs, regular grooming and checking for ticks are also good preventive steps.
Distemper is more serious, but more often found in young puppies that have not been immunized. There is no cure, but antibiotics can treat complications. Dogs with distemper must be isolated from other dogs. It is easily spread through direct or human contact.
Another common cause of seizures in dogs is environmental toxins, from poisons to rotten garbage to plants. Chocolate is the most common environmental toxin for dogs, partly because they will insist on eating it. But just as with children, you should keep all poisons out of reach of your dog, including houseplants. Be sure he’s not nibbling on yard plants besides grass; many trees and weeds can also be poisonous to dogs. If you suspect your dog has been poisoned, call your vet immediately.
Repeated seizures in dogs usually indicate canine epilepsy. This is caused by uncontrolled brain activity, and results in a wide variety of behaviors. A key difference between an epileptic seizure and a poison-induced one is that epileptic dogs “paddle” their feet, while poisoned ones have stiffening instead. Dogs who have seizures just before eating may be hypoglycemic instead.
If you notice any odd behavior, changes in appearance or anything out of the ordinary with your pet, consult a veterinarian immediately. It's always better to be safe than sorry, and most health conditions can be treated effectively. The sooner you seek medical help, the better off you, and your dog, will be.
Scott LeRoy is the owner of several dogs and an animal lover and researcher. He is a regular contributor to Dog Supplements, a section of Dog Health Problems & Care, a site focusing on conventional and natural treatments of canine health concerns.
