Epilepsy In Pets

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What is Epilepsy?
Dr. N.J.Hayes,DVM

Seizures | Symptoms and Diagnosis | Treatment | Dictionary of Terms | Our Services

This is a brain disorder that causes seizures. Before epilepsy is diagnosed other causes for the seizures must be ruled out. (See Seizure handout)

Who gets epilepsy?

Epilepsy is considered genetic in many breeds. It can start between 6 months and 3 years of age. A list of breeds will include:

• beagles,
• all shepherds,
• border collies,
• boxers,
• cocker spaniels,
• dachshunds,
• retrievers (golden, Labrador),
• Irish setters,
• poodles,
• St. Bernards,
• shelties,
• Siberian huskies,
• Springer spaniels,
• welsh corgis,
• and wire-haired fox terriers

Other breeds can also have genetic seizures.

What are the symptoms?

The primary and only symptom is seizuring.

• The seizure will generally occur when the dog is resting or sleeping.
• It will tend to be night or early morning when it occurs.
• There may be a seasonality to it as well, through this has not been thoroughly researched.
• Some seizures start with an aura (pre-seizure).
  • This is when the dogs is still aware but changes behavior, seeks attention, hides or exhibits another odd behavior.
• This is followed by the seizure itself which generally lasts for a few seconds to several minutes.
• The post-ictal (after seizure phase) then follows.
  • In this phase the dog returns to normal. It can last a few seconds to several hours.

What is the treatment?

Some patents will not require treatment. Your veterinarian will help you decide when treatment must be started.
Generally, if the dog only seizures occasionally, (less than every 2 months), treatment may not be needed..
However, if the seizures are more frequent or are severe, treatment is needed.
The more often the dog seizes, the more places in the brain that can develop and start a seizure. Regular seizuring can become dangerous and life-threatening.

Dogs that need treatment are generally started on Phenobarbital. This drug is commonly used as it controls seizures well and is inexpensive.
Phenobarbital does have some side effects which include increased thirst and appetite. If not carefully monitored dogs can gain excessive weight and become fat.
It does get metabolized by the liver and requires monitoring with blood checks of Phenobarbital levels and liver enzyme checks.

An alternative drug is KBr (potassium bromide). This is a salt that is used to decrease seizures. KBr has been used since Julius Caesar to control seizures. Though not as inexpensive as Phenobarbital, it does not have as many side effects and is not metabolized by the liver. The only drawback is that if the dog drinks excessively, he will tend to wash out the KBr and not keep enough in his body to protect against seizures.

What is Monitoring?

Your veterinarian win recommend blood tests to monitor the level of drug in your dog's body. For Phenobarbital, a blood level and liver check should be done every 6 months. For KBr a blood level should be checked every 6 months to annually.

Are there any other important things to know?

Yes, despite seizure medications, it is likely that your dog will still occasionally have a seizure. The goal of treatment is not to remove all seizures, but instead to reduce the frequency and severity to a safe level. Also, all medications interact with other drugs. Be sure to ask if you are concerned about other medications your dogs takes.

Finally, some drugs such as Acepromazine and Aminophylline can actually cause seizures and should be avoided if your dog has had seizures.

Because each patient is different, which medication is best for your pet will be decided individually with the help of your veterinarian. We will be happy to explain all of the options regarding epilepsy. If you have any questions, please feel free to call
685-4707

References:

• Tilley, LP, Smith, FWK, The 5 Minute Veterinary Consult, Canine and Feline. 1997, Williams & Wilkins.
• WWW.canine-epilepsy.net

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