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Epilepsy in dogs can be an inherited trait or it may be brought on by preservatives in the type of dog food they are eating. Certain breeds have a slightly higher percentage for risk of the condition than others. It is possible that a dog may have one of three different types of the condition. Most canine epilepsy can be treated with diet change, the proper medications and periodic liver enzyme testing.
A certain genetic basis for seizures has actual been proven in the breeds of Beagles, German Shepherds, Dachshunds, Belgian Tervurens and Keeshonds. There is some evidence that suggests that the English Springer Spaniel may also be predisposed genetically. The condition is quite common in dogs and even when not inherited, they may develop it over the course of their lifetime. Seizures have been linked to conditions related to the thyroid as well and this should be tested initially at diagnosis.
Changing the dogs diet is going to be the first and one of the best courses of treatment to avoid preservatives that are likely to be causing the problem. For breeds that are at particularly high risk anyway, foods that contain preservatives should be avoided from the beginning to eliminate the development of the condition. Check labels closely regarding preservatives in food; it will be clear on packaging.
Reactive, secondary and primary are the three types of epilepsy that may possibly present in canines. When a seizure is labeled as reactive, it involves the metabolic system. This will be in relation to kidney failure, low blood sugar or liver failure.
Secondary is also known as symptomatic and can be caused by problems such as stroke or tumors in the brain. Trauma is also known to bring on this type of epilepsy. This type is labeled due to a particular known cause.
Primary or otherwise called idiopathic is labeled as such because there is no diagnosed cause. The diagnosis is actually reached by eliminating all other possibilities for seizure. This is more likely to occur in dogs that are between the ages of one and three.
There are several types of seizures that may occur lasting from momentary periods to repetitive occurrences. Petit mal are mild and may only be staring for a brief period of time. Grand mal are moderate and may last for as long as three minutes with the animal losing consciousness. Status epilepticus and cluster seizures can both be life threatening and it is difficult in some cases to differentiate between the two; lasting up to more than ten minutes with a loss of consciousness and repeating.
Several excellent medications are used to treat the condition including Phenobarbital, Valium and potassium bromide. Continual monitoring of the liver function is necessary when the animal is being treated with Phenobarbital. If the liver becomes damaged at some point due to medication, the animal is likely to be switched to only potassium bromide as treatment. Valium is most often used to treat status epilepticus and cluster seizures and can be given by injection, orally or rectally. There are some over the counter remedies that will assist with faster recovery for pets after experiencing a seizure, so consult with the veterinarian about using these substances for the treatment of canine epilepsy when necessary.
Sandra DeMers is the author of Cory’s Story, the story of how one dog conquered canine epilepsy that will absolutely AMAZE you. Visit her website for a wealth of knowledge and resources, including causes of dog seizures.
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