Leashes to Litterboxes

Do you or someone you know have epilepsy?  Did you know that dogs can have epilepsy as well.  My parent’s dog (Locksley a cock-a-poo) was diagnosed with epilepsy when he was around 1 year old.  He is now 14 years old, off the medications and doing quite well for himself.  I know how scary seizures can be for owners and the following information may help to inform, give extra tips and hopefully you will share a story about your dog’s problems with epilepsy.

What is a seizure:

 A seizure is the uncontrolled firing of neurons spreading from the brain throughout the body causing convulsions.  Seizures are not always the same and may not be recognized but a typical seizure may go as this:

* Your dog may become agitated, looking for you for help and reassurance as they sense that something is going to happen.

* Your dog starts to tremble, he no longer is aware of his surroundings, and does not respond to stimulation.

* The trembling worsens, your dog stiffens and falls to one side.  His legs will then paddle and convulse.  This stage usually lasts less than a couple of minutes.

* The dog slowly recovers, may pant and seem out of touch for a while.  He may be quiet and tired abd sleep for a long period following the seizure.

Causes of seizures:

There are several causes of seizures in a dog.  For example low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), tumors, low calcium levels (hypocalcemia), liver diseases, toxic exposure (lead poisoning), lyme disease, distemper, head trauma and idiopathic epilepsy.

Diagnosing Epilepsy:

Diagnosing epilepsy is difficult.  First you have to rule out just about everything else.  Your veterinarian will want to perform a physical exam and get a good history of the seizures (if they happen more than once make sure to get the details like when, how long did it last).  The veterinarian will then do a blood screen to rule out other causes like the hypocalcemia.  If the blood screen comes back as being normal then your dog probably has idiopathic epilepsy.

Medications and Therapy:

There are basically 2 drugs used to control epileptic seizures.  Phenobarbitol and potassium bromide.  Once your dog is on these drugs your veterinarian will want to perform regular blood tests to measure the levels of the drug in your pet’s blood stream.  The dosages vary for both medications and you will want to make sure that your dog is safely within limits that are tested for.  Many dogs who are on phenobarbitol will gain weight so make sure that you exercise your dog regularily.

Some homeopathic treatments may also be warranted for controlling your dogs seizures.  Milk thistle, and other herbal remedies have been shown to help with seizures.  Discussing alternative medications with your veterinarian is always warranted.

Once your pet has started medications you must be willing to do the following:

1.  Give the medications regularily.  Your dog will become dependent on the levels of drug in his system at all times to control seizures.  If you miss a treatment do not double the dose the next time.

2.  Never change anything without consulting your veterinarian first.  Do not adjust the dose or stop treatment without first discussing it with your veterinarian.

3.  Have a diary of your pet’s life.  Record such things as when seizures happen, stress level ie.  did you have a dinner party, how long the seizure lasts, when you give medications etc.  When you take your dog to the vet take this diary with you as it is a valuable history.

What to do during a seizure:

- Some dogs are light or sound sensitive during seizure episodes. Try dimming the lights and keeping phones at a distance from the dog.

- Keep old towels or baby diapers handy to catch urine if your dog urinates during seizures.

- Some human epileptics say they have an easier time if the seizure is allowed to run its course. Calling the dog’s name to bring them out of the seizure may not be the best thing for your dog. Try it each way and see which is more comfortable for your particular dog’s seizure.

- Many dogs are confused and even blind right after a seizure. Keep the dog in a safe area where they cannot fall down stairs or hurt themselves.

- Be prepared to transport a dog that cannot stand up and walk, or is even in the middle of a seizure. Hard plastic children’s sleds can be used to carry or drag the dog to the car. A heavy blanket folded can also act as a stretcher. If you are alone with a very heavy/large seizing dog, call the vets office for instructions.

Dogs, just like humans, can live long and healthy lives with epilepsy.  You as an owner must commit to a lifetime of scary episodes like seizures, daily medications and regular trips to the veterinarian.  That commitment will pay off with a lifetime of unconditional love.

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More than half of all pet owners stated they would want their pet instead of another person with them if they were stranded on a desert island.  AAHA

Did you know that owners:

• refer to themselves as their pet’s “mom” or “dad”– 84
• greet their pet first when they return home – 72
• greet their spouse or significant other first – 13
• greet their children first – 7
• include their pet in holiday celebrations – 86
• hang a Christmas stocking for their pet – 64
• say they are willing to go into debt to provide care for their pet – 74
• say they will spend $1,000 or more to save their pet in a life-threatening situation – 73
• have sung to or danced with their pet – 65
• celebrate their pet’s birthday – 63
• have cooked or baked for their pet – 54
• include their pets in family or holiday portraits – 51
• have taken time off work to tend to a sick pet – 51
• have given their pet a wrapped present – 43
• have taken their pet to work – 44
• have more pictures of their pets than of their spouse or significant other – 39
• allow their dog to sleep in their bed – 36
• talk to their pets on a phone or answering machine when they’re away from home – 33
• have held a funeral after their pet’s death – 19
• carry a pet’s picture in their wallet – 17
• say they feel closest to their pet when exchanging kisses – 11

www.fbresearch.org

I can honestly say that I have:  hung a stocking, celebrated birthdays, cooked for my pet, given a wrapped present, taken a pet to work (who in a veterinary clinic doesn’t), allow my cats and past dogs sleep in my bed (try sleeping with a 110lb rotti and a 90lb staffordshire terrier in a queen size bed with a husband too), carry a picture in my wallet and have taken off time from work when a pet has died. 

Have you done any of the above?  Anything different?

Tags: cat, dog, pets

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