by 2 people |
Seeing your beloved fur friend having a seizure can be a terrifying experience when it happens for the first time. It was for me. However, by learning what is happening when your dog has a seizure, understanding the different medications, and becoming knowledgeable so you can talk with confidence to your vet, you can make this condition manageable.
Tess - our epi-goldengirl
Our beautiful golden retriever shocked us with her first seizure in April 2006 but since she had got into some mouldy food that day, the vet reckoned it was a one-off event. A second cluster of seizures a few weeks later blew that theory out of the water, and after another cluster Tess was prescribed phenobarbitol (Pb). This was when we first learnt about ataxia - a hind quarter weakness that can be a side effect of the Pb. A few weeks later, another series of seizures prompted the vet to add Potassium Bromide (KBr)to the mix. We began to research canine epilepsy and found message boards with support from many owners of epileptic dogs, and from them have learnt so much more about this condition.Tess has a seizure every 14 -18 days and we are working with a vet neurologist to find the right balance of meds to stretch out the period in between. We have been feeding her on a home made diet of pasta, vegetables and tinned fish but are working on changing that as she may be gluten intolerant. Until then, we just enjoy our golden girl day by day and keep our fingers crossed that the mix of meds will keep the seizures at bay. Each day we learn more about this condition and explore conventional, holistic and alternative research into epilepsy.
Canine Epilepsy Information
- Epi Guardian Angels
- Stacked with information on seizures, treatments, diets and the different drugs used, this site is a useful resource. There are some good articles written by veterinarians and neurologists.
- Canine Epilepsy Network
- Sponsored by the University of Missouri, this site has a great discussion forum. Post a question and within a short time, someone with experience of canine epilepsy will be along to offer support and answers.
- Epil-K9 message board and chat room
- Home of the epil-K9 email list, this is a clearly written and helpful resource for owners of epileptic dogs.
- Complementary therapies
- Outline of complementary therapies for canine epilepsy including acupuncture, vagal nerve stimulation, and a discussion of the hormone connection.
- Permanent Acupuncture
- Goldbead implants are a form of permanent acupuncture that may be helpful in treating epilepsy in dogs. This article explains vet, Terry Durke's research into this treatment.
- Veterinary acupuncturists
- A list of veterinary practitioners registered to practice Traditional Chinese Veterinary Acupuncture.
- Valium Protocol
- Comprehensive information on treating cluster seizures at home with the oral and rectal valium protocol.
- Ocular Compression
- OC is simply an application of pressure on one or both eyes. This pressure stimulates the Vagus Nerve which in turn releases GABA and glycine into the brain. GABA is an inhibitor that serves to shut down "messages gone out of control", i.e. seizures, and restores balance in the brain.
Books on canine epilepsy, nutrition and general health care for pets
Canine Epilepsy: An Owner's Guide to Living With and Without Seizures
Amazon Price: $29.95 (as of 01/02/2010) 
Dr. Pitcairn's New Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats
Amazon Price: $14.93 (as of 01/02/2010)
Home-Prepared Dog & Cat Diets: the Healthful Alternative
Amazon Price: $47.69 (as of 01/02/2010)
Epilepsy: The Essential Guide to Natural Pet Care
Amazon Price: (as of 01/02/2010)
Canine Epilepsy Drugs and Treatments
These are the most commonly prescribed anti epilepsy drugs (AEDs). Most of them have side effects that can take variable periods to subside as the drugs become stabilised in the system and reach a 'therapeutic' level.
- Phenonbarbitol (Pb)- usually the first medication prescribed. Phenobarbitol is processed through the liver so bile monitoring is important to identify potential liver damage.
- Potassium Bromide (KBr) - this works in conjunction with Phenobarbitol and can be effective in some cases. KBr takes significantly longer than Pb to reach a therapeutic level so patience is needed as side effects such as lethargy and ataxia can be marked.
- Levetiracetam (Brand name - Keppra) - Keppra is used in combination with other AE medications when Pb and KBr are not controlling seizures effectively. Expensive, but can be obtained mail order (on prescription)at lower cost.
- Sodium Bromide (NaBr)- Potassium Bromide can cause digestive upsets in some dogs so NaBr can be used as an alternative.
- Valium - can be administered rectally to break a cluster of seizures.
Epilepsy Terms
- Post Ictal
After a seizure is over this stage can last anything from a few minutes to several days and is different with every dog. Tess paces endlessly for up to two hours, then sleeps waking as though nothing has happened a couple of hours later. - Ataxia
This is hind leg weakness often found as a side effect of drugs and generally wears off after a while. The dog looks wobbly with a staggering gait and may find stairs difficult to climb. Although it may seem as though it goes on forever and your pets quality of life is affected, patience and perseverance together with a good relationship with your vet should see you through. Ataxia is an issue all epileptic dog owners face so check out the message boards for support. - Ictal phase
Also known as the tonic/clonic phase, this is the seizure itself. It is characterised by rigidity in the body, paddling of feet, and frothing at the mouth. It may include involuntary urination and/or defecation. - Cluster
When two or more seizures occur within a 24 hour period, often without the dog regaining any semblance of consciousness. Talk to your vet about prescribing valium to administer to break a cluster seizure. - Status Epilepticus
Most seizures last only a minute or two. Longer seizures of 15 - 30 minutes indicate your pet may be going into status epilepticus. This can be life threatening and must be treated as an emergency.
Nutrition
Healthy food for your epileptic dog
Nutrition is considered a significant issue in canine epilepsy. These are sites relating to natural feeding, raw and home-made recipes.
- BARF World
- Lots of information on feeding bones and raw food. Message boards and membership of the BARF association
- Home-made pet food recipes
- Links to sites with home-made recipes for complete meals, and treats
- Holistic health care
- Information on holistic nutrition for pets; links to other sites and articles.
- Information on kibble
- Article on canine nutrition with information on commercial kibble including ingredients.
- The G.A.R.D
- G.A.R.D stands for Glutamate Aspartate Restricted Diet and is explained in great detail in this comprehensive site.
Pet Friendly Accommodation
Finding sitters or kenneling for your epi can be challenging, so here's a list of sites where you can find pet friendly accommodation when you travel.
- Lets Go Pets
- Comprehensive site covering everything you might need to know about travelling with your pet. Information about airline travel; relocating with your pet; how to find a vet enroute, and a searchable database of 180,000 petfriendly hotels, resorts, and other places to stay.
- Pet Friendly in Canada
- A list of hotels, motels, resorts, vacation rentals, cottages, cabins, bed & breakfasts, and other pet-friendly lodging across Canada.
- Pet Holidays in UK
- Hundreds of holiday properties including cottages, hotels, camp sites and apartments where you can enjoy a holiday with your family without excluding your pets.
- Pet friendly vacation rentals in Ontario
- If your dog loves to swim, renting a lakefront cottage in Ontario will give him plenty of opportunity to get that fur wet! This site has lots of pet friendly cottages.
Travelling with your pet
Traveling with Your Pet, 8th Edition
Amazon Price: (as of 01/02/2010)
List Price: $17.95
The Pet Travel and Fun Authority of Best-of-State Places to Play, Stay & Have Fun Along the Way: 35,000+ Accommodations, Pet Sitters, Kennels, Dog Parks ... Tons-of-Pet Fun & More Guide! 12th Edition
Amazon Price: (as of 01/02/2010)
List Price: $16.95
The Dog Lover's Companion to the Bay Area: The Inside Scoop on Where to Take Your Dog
Amazon Price: (as of 01/02/2010)
List Price: $17.95
The Dog Lover's Companion to New England: The Inside Scoop on Where to Take Your Dog (Dog Lover's Companion Guides)
Amazon Price: (as of 01/02/2010)
List Price: $19.95
Take Your Pet Along: 1001 Places to Stay With Your Pet
Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 01/02/2010)
List Price: $14.95
Research
General and breed specific canine epilpsy research projects.
- Canine Epilepsy Project
- The goal of the project is to identify the genes involved in inherited forms of epilepsy. The disease, which is characterized by repeated seizures, can result from brain damage due to a head injury or tumor. Epilepsy can also run in families, and the researchers aim to identify genetic risk factors by tracking the inheritance of the disease in dog families.
- Beagle Epilepsy Research Project
- The eventual goal of this study is to identify a marker or gene for epilepsy and to develop a screening test to determine normal, carrier, and affected status, thus allowing breeders the potential to eliminate epilepsy.
- Canadian Epilepsy Research Programme
- Recently, the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) awarded the neurology service at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph a research grant for the "Development of a comparative epilepsy program" where innovative research and collaboration among veterinary and human institutions will focus on similarities of the disease between the two species and targeting important aspects of the disorder including pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment.
- Epilepsy in Poodles
- This research project recognises that epilepsy affects 25 - 30 breeds of dog, but focuses on all varieties of poodles.
- University of North Carolina Epilepsy Project
- Research into why some dogs fail to respond to anti-epileptic drugs, specifically Phenobarbital. The Project is looking for blood samples from dogs that do or do not respond to Phenobarbital, and we need North help in collecting about 200 samples to begin with!
What to do when a seizure happens
Canine seizures usually include the same elements but they vary with individual dogs in intensity and pattern. What happens in a seizure in our pet may be very different in someone elses. However, most of the following will apply in general seizures.
- Stay calm
Most important for both you and your pet. As hard as it is for you to watch, your dog is probably unaware of what is happening, but may respond to a gentle voice and reassurance. - Apply ocular compression
If you have discussed this with your vet and are comfortable with the procedure, start the compressions as soon as you can. - RR & ice cream
Once the seizure has stopped and the post ictal period started, give a couple of tablespoons of Breyer's Vanilla Ice Cream with a few drops of Rescue Remedy on top. - Food and a walk
A full blown seizure takes a huge amount of energy so most dogs are pretty hungry afterwards. We give Tess a small meal, take her out for a short walk and to relieve herself then bring her in for the post ictal pacing! - Pacing
This is probably the most difficult part of a seizure to deal with. Tess paces up and down, with no apparent reason for several hours. During this time she is oblivious to any commands or encouragement to sit or lie down. Eventually she does settle and will then sleep for several hours. This stage varies widely with each dog and can last for minutes, hours or even days.
by cottageguru
Author of Renting for Profit - the Guide to Successful Cottage Rental, Heather has more than 20 years experience in managing vacation rentals.
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