For dog owners, the health of their pets is always a priority. Sometimes you may encounter unexpected health problems. Canine epilepsy is one of these problems. This condition occurs as a result of abnormal electrical activity of nerve cells in the brain. This activity leads to recurring seizures. Seizures may look frightening. However, you can manage the process with the right information. Dealing with canine epilepsy might seem overwhelming at first, but you are not alone. Many dogs diagnosed with canine epilepsy have a normal lifespan. The important thing is to recognize the disease and cooperate with your veterinarian.
This disease usually appears between 6 months and 6 years of age. Genetic factors play a major role in this situation. This is called idiopathic epilepsy. Sometimes head trauma or infections cause seizures. Structural disorders in the brain are also another reason. Canine epilepsy is not limited to a single seizure. It is a chronic condition. The treatment process usually lasts a lifetime. Our aim is to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. Eliminating them completely may not always be possible. It is important that you have this realistic expectation regarding canine epilepsy prognosis.
Physical Traits
Canine epilepsy shows itself with physical symptoms. Distinct changes occur in the body during seizures. The most common seizure type is generalized seizures. In these seizures, the dog completely loses consciousness. Its body becomes stiff and it falls to the ground. Pedaling or swimming-like movements are seen in its legs. These movements are completely involuntary. The dog cannot control its movements at that moment. Identifying these physical signs of canine epilepsy early is crucial for treatment.
Jaw locking is frequently experienced during a seizure. Your dog may grind its teeth or bite its tongue. Intense drooling or foaming at the mouth is normal. Additionally, urinary and fecal incontinence can be observed. This situation stems from the loss of muscle control. The pupils dilate and do not react to light. Respiratory rate may increase or become irregular.
Seizures do not always affect the whole body. Focal seizures affect only a part of the body. For example, there may be trembling in only one leg. Or twitching can be seen in facial muscles. Sometimes the dog makes movements as if trying to catch an imaginary fly in the air. This is also a seizure symptom. Observing physical symptoms well is necessary for diagnosis.
Temperament
Canine epilepsy directly affects the dog’s behaviors. These effects vary according to the stages of the seizure. The pre-seizure stage is called “aura”. In this stage, the dog behaves restlessly. It may want to come to its owner constantly. Or conversely, it looks for a place to hide. Some dogs bark or whine for no reason. These behaviors are the harbinger of an approaching seizure. Understanding the behavioral side of canine epilepsy helps you prepare for the episode.
The post-seizure stage is the “post-ictal” period. In this period, the dog experiences serious confusion. It cannot understand where it is. It may have difficulty recognizing its owner. It may experience temporary blindness and bump into walls. The fear level is high in this process. A normally docile dog may growl. This aggression is not conscious. It originates completely from fear and confusion.
Your dog may be extremely tired after a seizure. It may want to sleep for hours. In some dogs, the exact opposite is seen. Hyperactivity and restlessness can be experienced. Thirst and hunger sensations may increase. These behavioral changes can last for minutes or days. You need to be patient and provide it with a safe space.
Health Watch-Points
The health of a dog with canine epilepsy must be followed closely. Keeping a record of seizures is the most important step. You must create a seizure calendar. You must note the date, time, and duration of the seizure. You must also write down pre- and post-seizure behaviors. These data help your veterinarian in adjusting the medication dose.
Side effects of medications are another monitoring point. Epilepsy medications can create a burden on the liver. Therefore, regular blood tests must be done. The level of liver enzymes must be checked. Additionally, the level of medications in the blood must be measured. Whether the dosage is effective is understood through these tests.
The condition called “Status epilepticus” carries a vital risk. In this situation, the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes. Or the dog has seizures one after another without regaining consciousness. This is an emergency situation. Body temperature rises dangerously. The risk of brain damage increases. In such a case, one must go to the veterinarian immediately.
Weight control is also important. Some medications cause increased appetite. Excess weight puts a load on joints and impairs general health. You must measure your dog’s weight regularly. You must adjust the nutrition program accordingly.
Essential Care
The care of epileptic dogs requires order. Successful canine epilepsy management depends on routine. Medication treatment must not be disrupted. Medications must be given at the same time every day. Keeping the medication level in the blood constant prevents seizures. Even skipping one dose can trigger a seizure. If you have forgotten a dose, you must consult your veterinarian. You must not give a double dose by your own decision.
The feeding schedule must be constant. Food changes can affect metabolism. This can also change the absorption of medications. High-quality and balanced foods should be preferred. Some special diets can support brain health. Supplements containing medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) can be beneficial. However, you must ask the veterinarian before using these.
Home safety must be ensured. It is necessary to prevent injuries during a seizure. You must put safety gates at the top of stairs. You can cover sharp-edged furniture with protectors. The floor must not be slippery. You can ensure the dog moves more comfortably by using carpets or rugs.
Enrichment
Dogs with canine epilepsy also need activity. However, stress and excessive fatigue must be avoided. Mental and physical enrichment must be balanced. Walks can be kept short and frequent. One should not go out in extremely hot weather. Heat stress can trigger seizures.
Nose work can be done indoors. You can hide the treat and ask it to find it. This game works the mind but does not tire physically. Calming activities should be preferred. Chew toys reduce the dog’s stress. It ensures it stays occupied for a long time.
Training sessions must be kept short. Simple commands should be practiced instead of complex commands. Positive reinforcement method must be used. Punishment or harsh reactions increase stress. This also raises the seizure risk. You must know your dog’s limits. You must end the activity the moment you feel it is tired.
Social interaction must be controlled. One must be careful while playing with other dogs. Excessive excitement can trigger a seizure. It should be brought together with calm-tempered dogs. Crowded and noisy environments must be avoided.
What to Do
You must remain calm when your dog has a seizure. Panicking makes the situation harder. First, look at your watch and time the seizure. Remove dangerous objects in the surroundings. Remove objects it might bump into, such as chairs or coffee tables. If your dog is in a high place, prevent it from falling. If possible, lower it gently to the floor.
Absolutely do not touch the dog’s mouth. Do not try to put your hand in its mouth. Dogs do not swallow their tongues during a seizure. However, they can bite your hand seriously due to jaw contractions. This is an involuntary movement. Place a soft pillow or towel under its head. In this way, you prevent it from hitting its head on the floor.
Reduce sounds and lights in the environment. Turn off the television and close the curtains. A quiet environment can reduce the severity of the seizure. Remove children and other pets from the room. Do not create a crowd around the dog.
When the seizure ends, speak to your dog with a soft voice. Be gentle when touching it. Do not force it to stand up immediately. It may take time for it to come to its senses. If it wants to drink water, give a small amount. If the seizure lasted longer than 5 minutes, go to your veterinarian immediately. If multiple seizures occur one after another, immediate intervention is also required. Canine epilepsy is a manageable condition. With the right care and attention, your dog can live a happy life.
Sources : PetMD, The Spruce Pets, International Cat Care
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