Epilepsy in dogs

Epilepsy is a condition in which the dog can suffer from recurrent seizures and seizures. These seizures occur because certain signals in the brain are not weakened. If the dog has epilepsy, the signals that the brain sends are not all processed properly. All these signals accumulate and at some point there is an outbreak, which is then called an attack.

What are the causes?
We distinguish two types of epilepsy. The first type is primary epilepsy, also called genetic epilepsy. This strain often has a hereditary cause and develops when the dog is between six months and five years of age.

The second form is secondary epilepsy, which is characterized by an identifiable cause that cannot always be determined. The most common causes are brain tumors and a congenital liver shunt. With a liver shunt, the blood vessels in the liver are improperly formed, leaving behind toxins such as ammonia. This residual ammonia can cause eleptic seizures and aggression in the dog. This occurs in dogs under six months or after five years in older dogs.

Other possible causes are:

• Poisoning, meningitis.

• trauma, shortness of breath.

• Sensitive Breeds: Retriever, German and Tervueren Shepherd, Border Collie, Bouvier, Poodle, Cocker Spaniel.

What are the symptoms of epilepsy?
Changes in behavior: Demanding more attention or seeking support from the boss.

• Run around in circles, stiffen, fall over or sometimes stop breathing.

• Twitching of ears or paws and winking.

• Seizures: Seizures where the dog gets convulsions.

• Catch imaginary flies and run after the tail.

• Pupils dilate, hair stands on end, no longer reacts to stimuli and noise.

• pass urine and stool.

• The attack can sometimes last a few seconds, sometimes a few minutes.

How is epilepsy diagnosed?
Diagnosis is often difficult because the seizure is often over by the time the dog gets to the vet. At this point, the owner must describe exactly what happened during the attack. Based on this conversation, the veterinarian will determine whether the epilepsy is primary or secondary.

A blood test is possible, but unfortunately often only yields limited results. You can also opt for a CT scan. This CT scan can provide information about a possible brain tumor.

What is the prognosis for epilepsy?
The seizures can be prevented with medication. However, the dose depends on the effect, so it may take some time to find the right dose. A dog with epilepsy can live to a very old age, so the prognosis is good.

How is the treatment?
Because the cause of epilepsy is unknown, drugs are never given immediately after a seizure. Therapy is usually started when seizures are frequent. The treatment consists of:

• prolong the attacks

• reduction in length,

• reduce severity.

• However, it is very important that epilepsy is treated. Because the attacks carry a number of risks that can be deadly themselves. It can also prevent a dog from getting stuck in an attack, which can also be fatal.

When should I take this to the vet?
If the dog has had a seizure for the first time, it is advisable to go to the vet the next day and have it checked out. If the dog falls ill more often, the veterinarian has often already started the medication or the dose is too low.

This text was translated by a translation machine