Seizures in dogs

Understanding Canine Epilepsy ...

What is epilepsy in dogs?
It is a symptom of neurological dysfunction in the brain. There are episodes of uncoordinated fires "in the brain, initiated by eg toxic substances or metabolic abnormalities or electrolyte imbalances that trigger table as convulsions or seizures that occur in the form of severe and mild tremors that cause great pain in animals. This condition may occur secondarily to other diseases such as distemper, brain tumors, liver or heart failure, diabetes, trauma or exposure to toxic substances. However, the "true" epilepsy, is what occurs due to a hereditary syndrome in certain breeds of dogs manifests as a neurological dysfunction primary cause is unknown at this time. Therefore, from a clinical standpoint, in cases of epilepsy "true" can only treat symptoms.


What are the true signs of epilepsy?
There are three components or stages of an epileptic seizure. The first is called "aura" and in this there are certain signs indicating the beginning of the attack such as restlessness, nervousness, tremors, salivation, incoordination and alienation. These signs may persist for only a few seconds or for several days, so many owners are unaware of them clearly. The second stage is known by the name of "stroke" (ictal) and refers to the attack itself. This may take a few seconds to several minutes. During an episode, the dog usually falls down on one side and a motor response is manifested by involuntary movements of kicking, pedaling or rowing. The dog will produce excessive salivation and may lose control of their anal and urinary sphincters. All these acts are unconscious so the animal loses connection with the environment.

Some physicians classify epileptic seizures in dogs based on their severity as "grand mal" or "petit mal" (petit mal). Immediately after the ictal period starts the stage "postictal" characterized by a period of confusion, disorientation, excessive salivation, restlessness, lack of reliable response in relation to environmental stimuli and in some cases blindness. This condition is thought that occurs as a result of large neural fatigue and the inability to use some neuronal metabolites necessary for nerve transmission. The duration of this stage will depend on the severity of the ictal period and may last several days.


How old is epilepsy in dogs?

Attacks can occur at any age, however, true epilepsy occurs after 2 years of age.


How true canine epilepsy diagnosed?

When a dog first experienced an attack, regardless of age, is very important to think less in other epilepsy causes. This is because many other diseases or disorders could cause seizures. Therefore, the clinician should perform a detailed medical history, careful physical examination, complete blood count, radiographic studies and where possible, electroencephalograms. When the clinician may encounter during their evaluations incriminating because of the attacks, will be established that the patient has a "genuine epilepsy".


What is the treatment of epilepsy in dogs?
Many times, dogs with epilepsy true, have short attacks, little violence and infrequent, which makes the clinical evaluation after a cease prescribing anticonvulsant therapy. However, when the attacks become a nightmare, are severe, prolonged duration and greater frequency, then it is indicated medical intervention. Several anticonvulsant drugs on the market for the treatment of epilepsy which work sedating brain neurons. CHECK


Can attacks be prevented?
The aim of instituting a complete stop anticonvulsant therapy is the occurrence of attacks. However, successful treatment often depends on both endogenous and exogenous factors. For example, although the factor is unknown "trigger" or trigger an attack, we know that the episodes may be initiated by states of tension or excitement. For this reason it is recommended that animals with epilepsy to avoid the sources of tension as beauty contests or exhibitions and mating sessions. It was detected that these episodes can also be initiated by hormonal effect in females as recommended to sterilize both males and females.


Can epilepsy be a hereditary disorder?
Canine epilepsy being a problem that occurs in inbred individuals is considered a genetic disorder. However, despite that it has found the mechanism of inheritance is known that in some races it is more prevalent, these are: German Shepherd, Saint Bernard, Beagle, French poodle and Irish setter. While other races are not listed, should be mentioned that the problem may arise in any individual of any race.


What can the owner of a dog during the attack of epilepsy?
Except for a true epileptic seizure with a duration of more than 30 minutes, which makes a problem and urgent clinic visit, the owner must be calm, because in general this condition does not threaten death to the patient .
During the episode the owner must not approach the animal, but must avoid strike with items that exist around like furniture or other objects. During the attack the animal goes through a sale in which unknown to its owner and his environment. There needs to be kept only for observation to determine other factors important to the clinician as they are, the filing date of the attack and its duration, this in order to make judgments when establishing a treatment, the dose and frequency the same. If animals are transferred to the clinic, should be wrapped in towels or sheets contained in a transport cage if possible to avoid impacts during the trip.


Family Perspectives:
for an adult, a seizure of the family pet should not be a stuffy experience, but for a child can be terrible. Fortunately, many attacks are nocturnal or may go unnoticed by the younger family. However, in the event of a stage "aura" and have children around, we suggest distract and avoid at all costs its presence there. If the child is 3 to 4 years old would be wise to try to explain the suffering of the pet to be warned if you touch to witness one of the attacks. Explain that the attacks may re-file would be very comfortable and encouraging for the child, then they come to understand the sickness of your pet. It is necessary to explain to a child that your pet is on permanent treatment to control him if possible attacks and that these episodes are short in relation to the time the animal is found without them. However, it attempts to live with their family pet and the condition are unsuccessful, we suggest looking for a home finally accept the animal for adoption.