Canine epilepsy is an unpredictable neurological condition that is emotionally draining for dog owners. Anyone who has experienced a seizure in their beloved furry friend for the first time feels helpless, overwhelmed, and shocked. In this article, you will find everything about epilepsy in dogs. You will learn more about the causes, processes, and how you can help your dog with an epileptic seizure.
Epilepsy in dogs: what does it mean?
Epilepsy is when you have multiple seizures. On average, every 200th dog in Germany suffers from epilepsy. The causes can be varied, so a distinction is made between symptomatic and idiopathic epilepsy.
Epilepsy is a disorder of the nerves in parts of the brain. When an epileptic seizure occurs, the body convulses. How long this seizure of the body lasts varies. Epilepsy in dogs can be caused by hereditary diseases, poisoning or neurological injuries.
Purebred dogs and mixed breeds can suffer from epilepsy. Among pedigree dogs, the following are particularly affected: Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, border collies, poodles, beagles, dachshunds, Shetland sheepdogs, German shepherds, and boxers.
What causes epilepsy in dogs?
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease in which the nerve cells in the dog that generate and transmit stimuli in the brain are disrupted. Nerve cells are normally in constant exchange via well-coordinated electrical impulses. During an epileptic seizure, these impulses become unbalanced and a large group of nerve cells experience a simultaneous, increased electrical discharge in the dog’s brain. Similar to a thunderstorm in the sky.
How does the epileptic seizure manifest itself?
The external perception of an epileptic seizure in dogs can be very different. It also depends significantly on the severity of the seizure.
In the case of a mild seizure, for example, you can “only” see a twitch in your face. Perception disorders or a change in the dog’s normal behavior are also typical signs. This is called a focal seizure, which remains limited to an area in the cerebrum and does not spread to the entire brain. The dog remains conscious.
In the case of a severe epileptic seizure, the seizure has spread to the entire brain and is then referred to as a generalized seizure. The typical symptoms are a series of repetitive spasms in the muscles of the body. Often associated with loss of consciousness, falling over, salivating, loosening urine and faeces.
The duration of an epileptic seizure also varies greatly, regardless of whether it is a focal or generalized seizure. But whether it lasts a few seconds or minutes, it’s a good idea to see a veterinarian or a veterinary epilepsy clinic immediately after the seizure.
Canine Epilepsy: Idiopathic Epilepsy vs. Symptomatic Epilepsy
In veterinary medicine, a distinction is made between two forms of epilepsy:
Idiopathic Epilepsy:
In idiopathic epilepsy, seizures in dogs are triggered by genetic factors. The exact cause of the seizure cannot be found. The diagnosis “idiopathic epilepsy” can only be determined by a diagnostic procedure to exclude other diseases. 80% of dogs suffering from idiopathic epilepsy have their first seizure between 1 and 3 years of age.
Symptomatic Epilepsy:
In symptomatic epilepsy, there is another underlying disease in the dog that triggers the epileptic seizure. This can be: craniocerebral trauma, brain tumor, encephalitis, hypoglycaemia, liver disease, kidney failure, poisoning. The cerebrum suffers from a structural disease. Dogs of all ages can be affected. Symptomatic epilepsy can be diagnosed by computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance therapy (MRI), or an examination of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
What is epilepsy in dogs?
In a mild attack, only the mouth wraps may twitch. In a severe attack, the dog may collapse from severe convulsions.
The four phases of an epileptic seizure in dogs
The epileptic seizure is divided into four typical phases. These phases do not automatically have to be clearly recognizable from the outside. The better you know your dog, the more likely you are to notice small, subtle changes and prepare for an impending seizure.
Prodromal Phase – Before the attack
The dog shows restlessness several hours or days before the actual epileptic seizure.
Aura – Before the attack
The dog changes its behavior. For example through: restless walking around, excitement or withdrawal, atypical attachment, drooling, increased lip licking, diarrhea, vomiting.
Ictus – During the seizure
The muscles are stiff, the body cramps. The dog may fall to the ground with its head thrown back, tremble profusely, salivate, and bark or whine. Breathing becomes violent and the tongue may turn dark. The cramped legs can twitch or make paddling walking movements. Often there is urine and defecation.
Post-ictal – After the seizure
After the seizure, the dog may remain motionless on the ground for a while and only slowly come to. After the attack, the dogs usually show a changed behavior that can last for a few days. For example: temporary blindness, disorientation, muscle weakness, staggering gait, excessive hunger and thirst, uncontrolled urination and loosening of feces. Aggressive or overprotective behavior can also occur.
Status epilepticus
If an attack lasts longer than 5 minutes, it can be life-threatening for the dog. The dog cannot stop convulsing without help and the veterinarian must be contacted immediately.
How do you behave as a dog owner during a seizure?
As always, the first rule is to remain calm and not panic. Noise should be turned off and the room should be slightly darkened. You accompany the dog through the seizure and make sure that it cannot injure itself on chair or table legs or objects lying around. Children and other pets should be kept out of reach of the convulsing dog. During a seizure, do not try to put your fingers in the dog’s mouth to get the tongue out. Your own risk of injury is too great. It is very helpful for the vet later if you film the seizure with your cell phone.
As a dog owner, what can I do after a seizure?
After the seizure, the dog should not be left alone. You give him security by talking to him soothingly. It is also important to ensure that the fur nose cannot injure itself or fall down stairs. If the dog is not yet under veterinary treatment due to epilepsy, the four-legged friend must be presented to the veterinarian. The longer a seizure lasts, the more dangerous it becomes for the dog. Keeping an epilepsy diary with the date, duration and description also provides security in dealing with the disease. It is also helpful in the veterinarian’s treatment approach.
Can epilepsy in dogs be fatal?
An epileptic seizure can be life-threatening. For example, when life-sustaining processes such as breathing stop.
Epilepsy in dogs: These are the causes
In the case of genetic idiopathic epilepsy, it depends on the origin, the ancestors of the dog. If both parents or their ancestors already had idiopathic epilepsy, there is a high probability that they will pass this genetic material on to their puppies. Therefore, reputable breeders pay close attention to their lineage and genetics when mating parent animals.
Symptomatic epilepsy is triggered by diseases such as:
- Developmental disorder of organs
- craniocerebral trauma
- tumors
- liver and kidney problems
- infections and inflammation
- Low blood sugar levels
- poisoning
What triggers epileptic seizures in dogs?
Symptomatic epilepsy is triggered by previous illnesses such as: craniocerebral trauma or liver and kidney problems. Idiopathic epilepsy is genetic and inherited.
Diagnosis: Does my dog suffer from epilepsy?
When diagnosing epilepsy, the process of elimination is usually used. The vet asks the owner detailed questions about his dog. Origin, attitude, diet, behavior and any unusual occurrences in the previous days. The treated veterinarian often knows the animal and can access documented diseases and medications of the dog. If a dog’s seizure has already been recorded with the cell phone, this is also helpful for a diagnosis.
After the general and neurological examination, further tests and measures are carried out. This can be:
- Neurological examinations
- blood and urine tests
- X-ray and ultrasound
- Computed tomography (CT)
- Magnetic resonance therapy (MRI)
- Electroncephalography (EEG)
- Examination of the brain and/or spinal cord fluid (liquor)
How long does a dog with epilepsy live?
In idiopathic epilepsy, a dog can be medicated to live a normal long life. In symptomatic epilepsy, life expectancy depends on the underlying disease.
Epilepsy in dogs: the right therapy
With every seizure, nerve cells are destroyed by the abnormal electrical charge. Early therapy is therefore important. Classical veterinary medicine, alternative animal practitioners and animal nutrition experts can help the patient a lot in interaction.
In an idiopathic form of epilepsy, medications are prescribed that can reduce the duration, frequency, and severity of seizures. Phenobarbital and potassium bromide are often prescribed as antiepileptic drugs. The medication usually has to be given for life. The active level in the blood of the animal should be checked every six months. Idiopathic epilepsy cannot be cured.
If symptomatic epilepsy has been identified, treatment is also aimed at the underlying disease that caused it. The chances of recovery depend on the type of underlying disease.
In the interplay of veterinarians, alternative animal practitioners, and animal nutrition experts, one can try to improve the quality of life of dogs with epilepsy. Animal naturopaths can treat the stress factor in the animal, which is also often a trigger for seizures, homeopathically and with behavioral therapy. An animal nutrition expert can put together an individual nutrition plan with sufficient nutrients, minerals, trace elements, and vitamins for the dog. It is important that all handlers of the dog know each other.
When is it advisable to visit the vet?
A seizure can have serious consequences for the dog’s brain, liver, kidneys and other organs. If you have no experience with epilepsy, you should seek detailed advice from a veterinarian after a seizure. If a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or if the dog has several seizures in one day, the doctor should be contacted.
How does a possible healing process after epilepsy in dogs look like?
Idiopathic epilepsy is genetically caused and therefore cannot be cured. In many cases, however, this form of epilepsy can be controlled with medication and a suitable diet. A healing process for symptomatic epilepsy depends on the respective underlying disease.
In both cases it is important to raise awareness for the early detection of a seizure. Life expectancy also depends on the correct and correct administration of medication. As well as good cooperation between owner, veterinarian and everyone involved.
Is It Possible To Prevent Epileptic Seizures In Dogs?
Idiopathic epilepsy cannot be cured. But there are things you can do to possibly reduce seizures or possibly defuse the course of a seizure. In addition to an individual medication setting, a stress-free and regulated life is very helpful. Excitement of any kind should be avoided. Another important factor is the dog’s diet. A low carbohydrate content and essential fatty acids such as omega 3 are helpful. A customized nutrition plan for epileptic dogs can be obtained from a pet nutritionist.
Symptomatic epilepsy depends on the dog’s underlying disease that triggers the epileptic seizure. The decisive question is whether the underlying disease can be cured in principle or not. But here, too, an interaction of medication, stress-free life and nutrition can be very helpful.
What to feed a dog with epilepsy?
With the epilepsy diagnosis, a food expert should draw up an individual food plan for the affected dog.
