epilepsy in dogs is not a very common disorder, however, it is important that we caregivers manage information about this pathology, so that we can identify it and act if our dog has an epileptic seizure at any time in his life.
In this article on our site we are going to explain what canine epilepsy consists of, the causes of its appearance, what are the characteristic symptoms that it will produce in our dog, as well as the treatment that will help it maintain a good quality of life.
What is epilepsy in dogs?
To begin we will explain what epilepsy in dogs or canine epilepsy is. We are talking about a chronic disorder at the brain level characterized by abnormal neuronal activity that manifests itself through recurrent seizure episodes. A typical seizure of epilepsy in dogs is going to be divided into four phases, which are the following:
- Prodrome: moment before the onset of the epileptic seizure. Its duration ranges from a few hours to several days, although it does not occur in all dogs. Behavioral changes, such as increased attachment to the caregiver or restlessness, may be detected.
- Aura: indicates the start of the crisis, but is currently considered aSensory epileptic seizure , characterized by behavioral changes such as aggressiveness or fear.
- Ictal Phase: This is the phase in which seizures occur in typical dogs. The crisis can be partial or generalized. It lasts from a few seconds to several minutes and is, in principle, self-limiting.
- Postictal phase: This is the period after the crisis, in which the brain has not fully recovered, so the Dogs may continue to show clinical signs for a few seconds or up to several days. These are incoordination, disorientation, nervousness, or anxiety about food or water.
Causes of epilepsy in dogs
The causes of epileptic seizures in dogs are divided into extra or intracranial The former can be caused by toxins, such as organophosphates, strychnine or ethylene glycol, or by disorders at the metabolic level, such as hypoglycemia or electrolyte imbalances. Intracranial causes cause what is known as structural epilepsy, as we will see in the next section. In any case, you should know that it is not always possible to find a cause.
In addition, epilepsy may be more common in older dogs due to the growth of brain tumors or metabolic problems due to liver disease or renal, more common in older ages.
Types of epilepsy in dogs
Depending on their causes, canine epileptic seizures can be structural, if they are due to an identifiable brain pathology, or idiopathic, which, in turn, can be genetic, probably genetic, or have no known cause.
Idiopathic epilepsy in dogs
As we have just pointed out, this type of epilepsy can be classified as:
- Genetics: Relates to an identified gene that is present in certain breeds, such as the Border Collie, Bernese Mountain Dog, Poodle, Dalmatian, Golden, Labrador, German Shepherd, Belgian Shepherd, Australian Shepherd or Schipperke, among others.
- Probably genetic: a genetic origin is suspected because a high prevalence is observed in some races or in the same family. It has not yet been confirmed, but it is believed that this is what happens in breeds such as the cocker spaniel, the mini schnauzer, the Saint Bernard or the Siberian husky.
- Of unknown cause: Groups epilepsies in which no structural cause is found and the affected specimen does not belong to the breeds in which known or suspected genetic epilepsy.
Structural epilepsy in dogs
In this type of epilepsy there is a clear origin, which is an intracranial pathology that is diagnosed after performing different diagnostic tests by imaging or analysis of cerebrospinal fluid. There are multiple causes, such as vascular, inflammatory or infectious diseases, congenital anomalies, trauma, neoplasms or degenerative pathologies.
Symptoms of epilepsy in dogs
The characteristic symptom will be seizures, which appear between six months and five years of age, approximately. Furthermore, for us to be able to talk about epilepsy, the epileptic seizures in these dogs must be recurring and similar These seizures, over time, will occur more frequently. The dog may lose consciousness. We will also appreciate that the dog hypersalivates, vomits or relieves herself
Depending on the symptoms, epileptic seizures can be focal, generalized, or focal to generalized, depending on the brain involvement. More details:
- Focal: the origin is in an area of one cerebral hemisphere and the signs include sudden movements of the head, blinking, jerking of the extremities, urination, defecation, hypersalivation, dilated pupils, vomiting, anxiety, fear or aggressiveness.
- Generalized: Both cerebral hemispheres are affected. They can be secondary to a focal crisis and, in turn, are divided into several types based on clinical signs. Thus, there will be generalized tonic-clonic, tonic, clonic, myoclonic or atonic seizures. Among the clinical signs of all of them, hypersalivation, urination, defecation, pedaling movements, sudden jerks or loss of muscle tone stand out.
- Focals that evolve into generalized: the name is due to the fact that they begin by affecting one area of the brain, but later spread to both hemispheres. This type of crisis is the one that dogs suffer most frequently. Includes motor and behavioral signs and loss of consciousness.
In this video from Blake E's channel you can see a real picture of canine epilepsy:
Treatment for epilepsy in dogs
First of all, the most important thing is for the vet to make a correct diagnosis, since epilepsy can be confused with syncope, neurological disorders or even narcolepsy or very intense pain.
If we are interested in knowing how to cure epilepsy in dogs, we must be clear that, although drugs are available, they may not be completely effective. Therefore, the goal of treatment will be the decrease in the frequency of seizures and their severity It is also important to know that these pills for epilepsy in dogs can have adverse effects. side effects such as sedation, although dogs usually get used to them in a few weeks, to the point of tolerating them. If a cause for epilepsy is discovered, it must be treated.
At this point you may be wondering if epilepsy in dogs can be cured. The truth is that we are facing a chronic diseaseThis means that it can be controlled, but not cured. That is why medication against epilepsy can be prescribed for life and periodic follow-up checks must be carried out.
There are several drugs against epilepsy, so the vet can try them until he finds the most effective one for our dog. For the success of the treatment, it is very important that we follow the administration guidelines prescribed by this professional, since it is key that we maintain the correct levels of the medication in the blood for it to be effective.
Natural treatment for epilepsy in dogs
On the natural treatment of epilepsy, the beneficial effect of various food supplements and diets is being studiedFor more information we should consult with our veterinarian, as not all recommendations have been shown to be more effective than a placebo.
How to deal with an epileptic seizure in dogs?
If your dog is having seizures, first of all, stay calm. Next, do the following:
- If there are children and/or other animals in the room, they must be removed. In this way, we will be able to better attend to any epileptic seizure in our dog.
- Next, we'll remove any objects that could hurt you.
- Then we will lower the intensity of the lighting in the room, since it could generate stress and discomfort, and We will record the epileptic attack with the mobileto be able to show it to the professional.
- We will then call an emergency vet, since some seizures in dogs can be fatal.
- While we talk to the vet on the phone, we will time how long the seizure lasts, especially if it lasts more than 3 minutes.
- We will wait next to our dog for the seizure to end, that is, we will not leave him alone If our veterinarian gives us instructions, it is important to follow them. It is also important not to try to wake him up, as the dog is not aware of his seizure.
- When the epileptic seizure is over, how to calm a dog with epilepsy is to comfort him by speaking softly, without yelling at him or forcing him to get up.
- Finally, we will go to the vet or ask one to come to our home.
Can a dog die of an epileptic seizure?
The consequences of an epileptic seizure in dogs can be serious and even fatal Unfortunately, if the seizures do not stop, a dog can die. dog from an epileptic seizure. It is very important to time the duration of the crisis. If it lasts more than 5 minutes, you will need to go to the vet urgently and it is in these cases that the dog is at greater risk of dying. In addition, these attacks can also can leave sequels In any case, it is more likely that the animal will survive and must undergo treatment.
Sequelae of epileptic seizures in dogs
Seizures that are repeated frequently will alter, by themselves, the dog's quality of life. Other times, what is known as refractory status epilepticus occurs, when the dog does not respond to anticonvulsant drugs.
If the seizures are not controlled, the dog's life will be in danger and, in addition, if it recovers, it is possible that it will have consequences. These include lack of coordination, blindness, circling, or hyperactivity.
Some can be recovered in a matter of weeks, so they would not influence how many years a dog with epilepsy lasts, although there are cases in which they become permanent. They are those that affect, above all, learned behaviors.
How many years does a dog with epilepsy last?
The life expectancy of a dog with epilepsy will depend on the severity, the type of epilepsy and the veterinary treatment. On average, it is estimated that dogs suffering from epileptic seizures can have a life expectancy of between 5 and 9 years, approximately. In any case, remember that dogs value quality more than quantity.
How to care for a dog with epilepsy?
The clinical signs of epilepsy make it a very impressive disease for caregivers. But, as we have seen, it is treatable and, with veterinary control, we can offer our dog a good quality of life. At home, follow these guidelines:
- Scrupulously administer the medication prescribed by the veterinarian.
- Go to all the regular reviews that this professional sets for you.
- Be clear about how to act in the event of an epileptic seizure, as we have explained previously.
- Give your dog the best quality of life possible, including good nutrition, regular exercise, companionship, and a stress-free environment. stress.
- Learn about the disease and solve all your doubts by talking to the vet. It is the best way to guarantee your dog with epilepsy the care he needs.
