Epilepsy affects many breeds of dogs.
Even though a great deal is known about treating this disorder, there is much to be learned about
why it occurs, and the genetic components related to breeding healthy animals.
Remember to check out reputable soucres of information.
Canine-Epilepsy Network
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a one time or repeated seizures. Idiopathic Epilepsy is epilepsy of unknown origin.
A number of breeds have a form of epilepsy that is inherited. Two genes have been recently
discovered in the Poodle. Some families within dog breeds are more likely to produce more
animals with this disorder than other families.
Seizures may be caused by unknown causes, toxins, medical conditions, physical injury or from
genetics. There is a research project going on right now that is in dire need of Collie samples, so
the gene(s) responsible for hereditary epilepsy can be found. The samples needed are from dogs
who have had seizures and their family members, whether they have had seizures or not. I called to
find out if sending the DNA from my own dogs would help, and was told that dogs which are having
or have had seizure are the ones needed for the research project - so if your dog is having seizures,
your help is needed. This is nothing to be ashamed of, it is just another disease that we are trying
to discover more about, so we can learn how to treat epilepsy better and to avoid breeding to
animals that are producing offspring that are affected. Here is a link to help out....as of April 2006
there are only 85 Collie samples!!!! Click here to see if you can be of help.
Is it really a seizure?
If it is at all possible, take photos or a video of your pet's seizure. This can help your veterinarian a
great deal when he is trying to diagnose your dog. It is possible that your dog has fainted from a
medical condition, or glandular problem that is not truly a seizure. A very detailed description of the
episode will help your veterinarian. Tests may be required to eliminate other causes, and help
determine the likelyhood of epilepsy. Talk with your veterinarian about treatment and testing, before
you automatically start drugging your dog.
Treatments for epilepsy:
Drugs used to treat epilepsy cannot cure the disease, and only control the seizures.
These drugs may have side effects for your dog but are usually mild and apparent when the drug(s)
are started or increased. Dogs may begin overeating and drinking more, and you must be more
careful about the amount your dogs eats and making sure he gets out more often to relieve himself.
Dogs become dependent on the drugs used to treat this disease and MUST NOT BE TAKEN OFF
THEIR MEDICATION, NOR MUST YOU CHANGE TO DOSAGE without your vet's advice and help.
Talk with your vet about possible side effects and reactions, and what you should do.
Some recommendations:
- Let your dog have a normal life.
- Give your dog's medication on time every day! Missing a dose can bring on a seizure.
- Keep enough medication on hand - don't wait until you only have a few doses left.
- Keep a journal of seizures and other health care for your dog. It is invaluable when you are
having a problem.
- Keep your vet's number & medication handy at home and on walks.
- Ask you vet what you should do IF your dog ever has a seizure.
What do I do if my dog is seizuring?
First of all - do not panic.
Seizures usually do not last long, less that a minute or two - though standing there watching is very
difficult. Do not touch your dog or put anything into his mouth - you may get bitten, and it is not true
that he will swallow his tongue. If you must, pull your dog to a safe place away from danger by his
paws. Be careful, though. After the seizure is over, watch your dog carefully. He may be dull and
sluggish, and/or may be cranky and may bite at those around him - even though he would never do
this under normal circumstances. Even though the dog may be disoriented after the actual seizure,
the post-seizure period is not a part of the seizure itself.
Go to your veterinarian's office immediately if:
- Your dog has seizured repeately or for longer than five or ten minutes continuously.
- He is acting aggressively or is extremely disoriented. The post-seizure period can last for some
dogs after a seizure, but if it seems too long, see your vet.
- If the seizure continues to start and stop - this may lead to a continous seizure, which needs
to be treated right away.
- Transport your dog inside a crate if possible, since you do not want to be disturbed while you
are driving him to the vet clinic, in case he has a seizure during the trip.
Even though a great deal is known about treating this disorder, there is much to be learned about
why it occurs, and the genetic components related to breeding healthy animals.
Remember to check out reputable soucres of information.
Canine-Epilepsy Network
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a one time or repeated seizures. Idiopathic Epilepsy is epilepsy of unknown origin.
A number of breeds have a form of epilepsy that is inherited. Two genes have been recently
discovered in the Poodle. Some families within dog breeds are more likely to produce more
animals with this disorder than other families.
Seizures may be caused by unknown causes, toxins, medical conditions, physical injury or from
genetics. There is a research project going on right now that is in dire need of Collie samples, so
the gene(s) responsible for hereditary epilepsy can be found. The samples needed are from dogs
who have had seizures and their family members, whether they have had seizures or not. I called to
find out if sending the DNA from my own dogs would help, and was told that dogs which are having
or have had seizure are the ones needed for the research project - so if your dog is having seizures,
your help is needed. This is nothing to be ashamed of, it is just another disease that we are trying
to discover more about, so we can learn how to treat epilepsy better and to avoid breeding to
animals that are producing offspring that are affected. Here is a link to help out....as of April 2006
there are only 85 Collie samples!!!! Click here to see if you can be of help.
Is it really a seizure?
If it is at all possible, take photos or a video of your pet's seizure. This can help your veterinarian a
great deal when he is trying to diagnose your dog. It is possible that your dog has fainted from a
medical condition, or glandular problem that is not truly a seizure. A very detailed description of the
episode will help your veterinarian. Tests may be required to eliminate other causes, and help
determine the likelyhood of epilepsy. Talk with your veterinarian about treatment and testing, before
you automatically start drugging your dog.
Treatments for epilepsy:
Drugs used to treat epilepsy cannot cure the disease, and only control the seizures.
These drugs may have side effects for your dog but are usually mild and apparent when the drug(s)
are started or increased. Dogs may begin overeating and drinking more, and you must be more
careful about the amount your dogs eats and making sure he gets out more often to relieve himself.
Dogs become dependent on the drugs used to treat this disease and MUST NOT BE TAKEN OFF
THEIR MEDICATION, NOR MUST YOU CHANGE TO DOSAGE without your vet's advice and help.
Talk with your vet about possible side effects and reactions, and what you should do.
Some recommendations:
- Let your dog have a normal life.
- Give your dog's medication on time every day! Missing a dose can bring on a seizure.
- Keep enough medication on hand - don't wait until you only have a few doses left.
- Keep a journal of seizures and other health care for your dog. It is invaluable when you are
having a problem.
- Keep your vet's number & medication handy at home and on walks.
- Ask you vet what you should do IF your dog ever has a seizure.
What do I do if my dog is seizuring?
First of all - do not panic.
Seizures usually do not last long, less that a minute or two - though standing there watching is very
difficult. Do not touch your dog or put anything into his mouth - you may get bitten, and it is not true
that he will swallow his tongue. If you must, pull your dog to a safe place away from danger by his
paws. Be careful, though. After the seizure is over, watch your dog carefully. He may be dull and
sluggish, and/or may be cranky and may bite at those around him - even though he would never do
this under normal circumstances. Even though the dog may be disoriented after the actual seizure,
the post-seizure period is not a part of the seizure itself.
Go to your veterinarian's office immediately if:
- Your dog has seizured repeately or for longer than five or ten minutes continuously.
- He is acting aggressively or is extremely disoriented. The post-seizure period can last for some
dogs after a seizure, but if it seems too long, see your vet.
- If the seizure continues to start and stop - this may lead to a continous seizure, which needs
to be treated right away.
- Transport your dog inside a crate if possible, since you do not want to be disturbed while you
are driving him to the vet clinic, in case he has a seizure during the trip.
| Canine Epilepsy |
| Most of all - talk with your vet and follow his advice. |