Canine Epilepsy

It is estimated that five percent of all dogs suffer from epilepsy, and we as groomers will encounter them in our shops. There are so many causes of seizures, so canine epilepsy is not a specific disorder. Something triggers abnormal electrical activity in the brain sending a scrambled message to the muscles of the dog’s body. In other words, there is a short circuit in the dog’s electrical panel.

 

Epilepsy is categorized into two groups:

 

 

1. Idiopathic Epilepsy, also called Primary Epilepsy. There is no identifiable brain abnormality. Generally, it is a genetic defect. Most dogs in this group have their first seizure between the ages of one and five.
2. Symptomatic Epilepsy, also called Secondary Epilepsy. These seizures have an identifiable brain lesion or other specific cause.

 

There are two kinds of seizures:

 

1. Generalized, Tonic-Clonic or Grand Mal are different names for the same thing. This kind of seizure affects the entire brain. Symptoms will vary depending on point of origination and causes. It generally begins with unusual muscle contractions and loss of consciousness. Dogs may or may not experience facial twitching, excessive drooling, defecation, urination, and expressed anal glands. Towards the end of the seizure, they may or may not clamp their jaws, jerk, run in place, and perform other odd leg movements.

 

1. Partial/Focal or Petit Mal. This initially affects a specific portion of the brain, usually as a result of an injury or illness. Dogs are generally conscious during the seizure, but it can escalate into a Grand Mal. Symptoms will vary depending on where it originates and cause. When the seizure affects behavior, it’s called a complex partial or psychomotor seizure. It results in bizarre behavior, aggression, irrational fear or “fly-snapping.” Fly snapping is when the dog bites at the air at imaginary flies.

 

You’ll notice I used a lot of “generally” and “may or may nots.” That’s because the short circuit can occur anywhere in the brain and presented symptoms can vary. I knew of one dog who during a seizure would rear up on his ind legs and come back down stiff as a board and stayed that way for quite some time.

 

The four stages of epilepsy:

 

1. Prodome. This precedes the actual seizure by hours or days. There is a subtle change in mood or behavior.
2. Aura. This signals the start of the seizure. They may be nervous or whiny; they may tremble, hide or salivate excessively; or, they may simply act restless, apprehensive, and even unusually affectionate.
3. Ictus. Actual seizure. Usually lasts from 45 seconds to three minutes.
4. Post-Ictal. This is after the seizure. It can last from hours to days. Dogs will be extraordinarily hungry or thirsty. They may also experience blindness, deafness, disorientation, pacing and change in behavior.

 

The most common causes of epilepsy are:

 

1. Plants, essential oils and chemicals. For a comprehensive list go to http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/Plant-induced_seizures.htm. Keep in mind that because a particular substance is not listed doesn’t mean it can’t cause a seizure in a particular dog.
2. Genetics. Certain breeds are predisposed.
3. Low blood sugar.
4. Low thyroid hormone levels.
5. Stress. This can include the kind of stress caused by the High Velocity dryers in a grooming environment.
6. Brain infection.
7. Poisons. These include certain chemical sprays, disinfectants, and household cleaners, particularly those that are pine scented.
8. Portosystemic shunts which are caused by liver disease.
9. Vaccinations.
10. Full moon. No wait, that’s werewolves!
11. Preservatives and chemical food dyes in commercially prepared foods.
12. Lyme Disease. 
13. Chocolate.
14. Topical flea and tick products.
15. Hydrocephalus or fluid in the brain.

 

What to do during a seizure:

 

1. Don’t interfere with the seizure unless the dog is in danger. If they are on your grooming table, get them off. Move furniture away from the dog, not the other way around. Kick a towel or blanket under their head to protect from blunt force trauma. Do not use your hands. The dog is not in control and you will get bit.
2. Turn off lights, TV and other loud appliances. Their brain is already over stimulated.
3. Do not cover them in blankets or towels to stop the trashing. You run the risk of the dog tearing ligaments. 
4. Talk to them in quiet, soothing tones.
5. Place four drops of Bach’s Rescue Remedy on top of their head or on their ear flap. Rescue Remedy is the most common of Bach’s flower remedies. It is a homeopathic solution, which is very effective in relieving stress and anxiety in dogs. For more information on Bach Flower remedies go to http://www.bachflower.com/.
6. Place a bag of ice cubes on the lower midsection of their backs. Use a quart size for small dogs and gallon size for medium to large dogs. Remove immediately after seizure stops.

 

What to do immediately following a seizure:

 

1. Their blood sugar will have dropped, so it is important to restore it. Give a teaspoon of Haagen Daz vanilla ice cream to small dogs, one tablespoon to medium dogs, and two tablespoons for large dogs. According to www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com brand is important.
2. Their body temperature will have risen, so keep them cool. Do not use cold water. It is counterproductive as it creates a thermal shield preventing heat from escaping
3. They will be ravenous. Feed several small handfuls of kibble, pasta or rice every hour. The carbs will also help to stabilize their blood sugar. DO NOT LET THEM INHALE THEIR FOOD. You could lose a finger or cause aspiration pnuemonia.
4. Place four drops of Rescue Remedy on their tongues.

 

When to go to the veterinarian immediately:

 

1. The first time your dog goes into a seizure. 
2. Status epilepticus. This is a series of continuing seizures or one long seizure lasting 10 minutes or more. 
3. Cluster seizures. Multiple seizures in a 24 hour period. 
4. Pale white gums. This is an indicator of a pulmonary edema in the lungs caused by the seizure.

 

All of the above are life threatening and require immediate veterinary intervention. Always call the vet before you leave so that they are prepared when you arrive.

 

How your veterinarian diagnoses epilepsy:

 

1. Clinical tests that may include a complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistry panel, cerebrospinal fluid examination for brain lesions (CSF), urinalysis to help identify any medical condition, bile acid test to check for liver shunts, brain imaging, and blood sugar check.
2. Your notes. Of the two, your notes are most important. Keeping a record may help to find a pattern or trigger of the dog’s seizures. Keep all copies of lab work with your notes and take it with you when you travel. It will help an unfamiliar vet if treatment is needed. To download a medical and seizure record go to http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/seizure_and_med_record.htm.

 

How to treat epilepsy:

 

1. There are many prescriptions that are available from your vet based on your dog’s diagnosis. Phenobarbital and potassium bromide are the two most common. Many seizure medications heavily damage the liver. Your veterinarian will want to perform regular liver checks if your dog has been prescribed such drugs.
2. To help counteract the damage caused by those drugs, supplement the dog’s diet with milk thistle and feed them a liver cleansing diet. Examples of recipes can be found at http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/liver_diet.htm.
3. A healthy diet is crucial as so many ingredients in commercially prepared foods can trigger a seizure. Follow this link to some good, easy to prepare recipes http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/healthy_diet.htm. 
4. Quality supplements can be found at www.herbsmithinc.com and www.wholisticpetorganics.com.
5. Complementary alternative therapies such as Reiki used in conjunction with veterinarian care can be useful for some dogs.
6. Epilepsy kit. Keep appropriately sized bags of ice and ice cream in your freezer and Rescue Remedy with your notes.

 

Epilepsy is a serious life threatening condition that can be managed through veterinary care, diet and preparation. I want to extend my thanks and gratitude to the ladies of http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/ for allowing me access to their wonderful, informative site.