Does Your Dog Have Epilepsy

What is epilepsy?

This is a form of recurring seizures that causes uncoordinated firings of neurons in the cerebrum. Although it isn't fully understood in dogs, there are some similarities to the causes in humans. The nerves can't communicate because neurotransmitters are chemically unbalanced. Uncoordinated firing will be seen in epileptic dogs' brains. These seizures are also known as convulsions or fits. This usually occurs in dogs between 6 and 5 years of age.

Different types of epilepsy:

1. Idiopathic Epilepsy - Although the cause is not known, it could be inherited.

2. Secondary Epilepsy: Normally, the vet will run tests to rule out any possible toxic or physiological causes. Then he will diagnose the dog with idiopathic epilepsy. Dog owners often don't know their pet is suffering from seizures. There are many kinds of seizures. An epileptic seizure refers to abnormal brain activity in the cerebral cortex. Convulsions can be caused by convulsions in many forms, including petit mal and full-body grand mal.

There are four stages to seizure

1. The Prodome – It can last from minutes to hours, sometimes even days before the actual convulsion. You will notice changes in your dog's behavior and mood.

2. The Aura – The initial signs of a pet dog's personality will be noticed by the owner. Pet dogs may begin to tremble, salivate, lick, pace, wander aimlessly, hide, urinate, and whine. Other dogs might exhibit strange behaviors, such as excessive barking or attempts to get attention.

3. The Ictus is when the dog is actually having a seizure. He may lose consciousness, gnash and shake his head, cry, drool, lose bladder control and even start running. Dogs can experience strange types of seizures. Some dogs may suddenly become completely numb and stare at the sky, while others will run around in circles. Partial seizures are those that cause twitching in a single area of the body. This could be his legs, his hips or his shoulder.

4. The Ictal is a condition that occurs just after a convulsion. Dogs will appear doped, drunk, blind, or deaf. Dogs may be prone to endless pace or drinking excessive amounts of water. Some dogs go to sleep and fall asleep.

Seizure causes

Many conditions can cause seizures, including liver disorders, brain tumors, and conditions such as diabetes mellitus.

Although it is not known why, many dogs have convulsions during excitement. Dog seizures can occur when the dog is playing or after children return from school. After visiting the vet, one dog experienced seizures. Some dogs experience seizures while asleep. This should not be confused with dreaming as it is quite common for dogs to bark or shake while they are asleep. It is possible to awaken a dreaming pet, but not a dog suffering from seizures.

How can epilepsy be diagnosed?

First, the vet will take a detailed history. The vet will then perform neurologic, physical, and laboratory tests. Sometimes, x-rays may also be taken. The condition is deemed idiopathic if the vet can't identify the cause. There is no test that can diagnose epilepsy, but the tests are able to rule out other causes.

To help your vet diagnose your dog, what information can you provide?

It's helpful if you, as the pet owner, can answer the following questions to your vet: What is your pet's appearance when he has convulsions? What is the frequency of convulsions? How long does each convulsion last? If your dog has symptoms on only one side, observe the other side. Is one side more severe than the other? Is your dog suffering from hyperthermia Is your pet dog allergic to any poisonous substances? Is your pet a victim of a traumatic event recently or years ago? Are your pet's vaccinations up-to-date? Is your pet currently being boarded? Is your pet currently ill? Has your pet been acting strangely in the last few weeks? What is his diet? Are you noticing any unusual behavior or changes in your son lately? Are the convulsions related to eating, sleeping, exercise, or other activities? Are there unrelated signs that your pet shows right before and after convulsions occur?

Are some dogs more likely to have epilepsy than others?

Epilepsy usually begins between 6 and 5 years old, but can also develop at 2 to 3 years. Epilepsy can occur in any breed of dog, even mixed breeds. Epilepsy can be passed down from generation to generation and can even be genetic. Some of the most susceptible dog breeds include Labradors, Labradors, Dachshunds and Dachshunds as well as Labradors, Cockers, Dachshunds and Dachshunds. Epilepsy can be passed from one generation to the next. Therefore, epilepsy-prone dogs should not be allowed to breed.

Treatment

When convulsions become severe, patterned, or multiple, treatment is initiated. Your vet will need to know the pattern of your dog's convulsions so that they can determine if treatment is necessary.

Epilepsy is a condition that has no cure. The goal is to decrease the severity, duration, and frequency of convulsions. Epilepsy can be treated with oral medications. Dogs may have different reactions to medications. Your vet might recommend different combinations of medications to find the best combination for you pet. Most dogs feel tired after the first dose of medication. However, this feeling will fade in a few weeks.

Phenobarbital or Potassium bromide are the most common drugs to treat epilepsy. You can use them together or as a single drug. They should be taken every day. He should be tested for phenobarbital before giving the medication to his dog. Regular blood tests are required. You should not stop taking the medication after it is started. This could cause severe convulsions. Most dogs who are taking an anticonvulsant must continue to take it for their entire lives. Other drugs that are used to treat epilepsy include carbamazepine and felbamate. Dogs with long-term convulsions, also known as Status, can be given intravenous drugs such as valium to achieve a fast effect.

If you take phenobarbital or other anti-epileptic drugs, your liver may be affected. To ensure you are safe, it is important to perform a liver function test before increasing your dosage. Even at high doses, liver damage is rare. A dosage level may be effective for a short time, but then convulsions can become more frequent and longer lasting. You can increase the dosage. If the dog is not having seizures, the dosage can be decreased to control convulsions. You can keep a log of convulsions, including the dates and duration. This will allow you to determine if adjustments are needed.

What should I do if my dog has convulsions

Keep your cool. Do not put your hand in the dog's mouth. You might get bit! It does not help your dog. To prevent injury, keep sharp objects away from your dog's reach such as tables or chairs. To prevent him from falling, place the dog on the ground if he's lying down on a couch or in a bed. Clear away any children or pets. If your dog has convulsions lasting more than three minutes, or recurring seizures, get in touch immediately with your veterinarian. This is considered a medical emergency that could prove fatal. A mild seizure does not necessarily mean that your dog is in serious danger. You should still inform your vet. You should record the time, date and duration of the seizure BetaCBDLondon