Epilepsy in dogs

Epilepsy in dogs is the result of a neurological disorder of brain function - a failure occurs in the body's bioelectrical system, resulting in a decrease in electrical stability and a seizure that can manifest itself in the form of both minor seizures and powerful convulsive convulsions.

Epilepsy can often be a consequence of liver and heart disease, diabetes, brain tumors, and also the result of exposure to toxic substances or head injuries. In these cases, we are talking about secondary epilepsy.

A distinction is also made between true epilepsy, which is associated with hereditary factors and disruption of neurological functions of the brain, the occurrence of which remains unexplored. In such cases, treatment can only be aimed at eliminating symptoms.

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Causes of secondary epilepsy

• Pathologies caused by infectious agents (including plague, encephalitis, etc.);
• Intoxication with metals or other toxic compounds, including lead, arsenic, strychnine;
• Head and brain injuries;
• Electric shock;
• Bites of poisonous snakes and insects;
• A decrease in blood sugar levels resulting from insufficient glucose production or increased utilization of glucose;
• Liver and kidney diseases;
• Unbalanced diet and severe deficiency of vitamins and minerals, in particular vitamins B and D, magnesium and manganese;
• Presence of worms;
• Prolonged overload of the nervous system;
• Thyroid hormone deficiency.

It is believed that the most common factor causing epilepsy in dogs aged one to three years is a genetic predisposition, and at the age of over four years – the presence of the above-mentioned pathologies.

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What are the symptoms of epilepsy in dogs?

There are several stages of the disease:

1. Aura – the presence of symptoms indicating the approach of an attack. This condition is characterized by the appearance of anxiety, increased salivation, general nervousness. The dog begins to whine, sway, and try to hide. Such symptoms can be short-lived, which is why it is not always possible to recognize them immediately.
2. Ictal phase. At this stage, the animal experiences a loss of consciousness, the head is thrown back, the pupils dilate, the so-called petrification of the limbs is observed - excessive muscle tension, followed by a convulsive attack that affects the muscles of the head and limbs, there is heavy breathing, foaming from the mouth, often with an admixture of blood. Also during the attack, involuntary urination or defecation may occur as a result of a malfunction of the bladder due to compression of the abdominal wall muscles.
3. The postictal phase occurs immediately after a seizure. The animal experiences confusion, disorientation in space, and partial blindness. Some dogs, on the contrary, experience a complete loss of strength and may fall asleep. The postictal period can last up to several days.
4. Epilepticus. This condition is characterized by a prolonged attack or the occurrence of several attacks in a row without improvement, requiring urgent medical attention.

What to do if an attack occurs?

Often, during an attack, the dog's life is not in danger. First of all, when an attack occurs, the animal should be isolated, immediately protected from contact, primarily with children, as well as with animals. It is advisable to put a pillow under the dog's head to prevent additional injury. Do not try to limit the animal's movements, or unclench its jaws yourself. After the attack has passed, take care of your pet, providing it with maximum care. In the case of epilepticus, the dog should be immediately taken to a veterinary clinic for emergency care. If this is not possible, inject the animal with an anticonvulsant drug intramuscularly. This method can only be used as a last resort.

How is epilepsy in dogs recognized and treated?

To diagnose epilepsy, a blood test is taken from the animal, an X-ray examination is performed, and a medical history is collected. If no pathologies are detected based on all the examinations performed, it is considered that the animal has true epilepsy.

Anticonvulsants used for epilepsy in dogs:

• Phenotoin. (+) Highly effective, does not cause side effects. (-) Quickly excreted from the body, causes a feeling of thirst, frequent urination.
• Phenobarbital. (+) Highly effective, fast-acting agent. (-) Increases irritability, has an enhanced diuretic effect, causes thirst.
• Primidone. (+) Fast and high effect. (-) Availability of only tablet form of the drug, increased thirst, appetite.
• Diazepam. (+) Does not cause side effects, acts quickly. (-) Has a short-term effect, causes irritability, nervousness.

Phenobarbital is sometimes used in combination with sodium or potassium bromide when there is no positive effect from using either type of drug alone.

Epilepsy in dogs requires long-term treatment. The choice of drug, especially the dose of the drug, should be made by a veterinarian based on the overall clinical picture of the disease.