what is the treatment for epilepsy in dogs

Can dogs live a normal life with epilepsy?

May 04, 2020 · Several medications exist that may be used to help treat or manage epilepsy in dogs. While there is no cure for this brain disease, the symptoms can usually be managed with the administration of these medications.

What to do after your dog has an epileptic seizure?

Phenobarbital is a common anti-seizure medication used in dogs, and is usually given twice daily.

How to care for a dog with epilepsy?

Oct 23, 2019 · Phenobarbital and Potassium Bromide are two medicines that are commonly prescribed for dog epilepsy. Phenobarbital is used for idiopathic epilepsy and Potassium Bromide is a secondary prescription that can be used if your dog doesn’t react well to Phenobarbital. In addition to medication, your dog’s vet may suggest changes in his diet.

How do seizure dogs help people with epilepsy live better?

Oct 22, 2014 · The same drugs have been approved for treatment of canine epilepsy in Europe and/or USA, with phenobarbital to be one of the most effective and well-known AED. Recently, imepitoin was also approved for the treatment of canine epilepsy based on some RCTs [13,14]. Monotherapy with imepitoin in dogs with newly diagnosed epilepsy showed that it was …

How Long Can dogs live with epilepsy?

Approximately 40-60 percent of dogs with epilepsy have one or more episodes of cluster seizures or status epilepsy, and a mean lifespan of only 8 years, compared to 11 years for those with epilepsy without episodes status epilepsy.

Can dog epilepsy be treated?

Epilepsy is unfortunately a neurological condition that the animal is born with and as such cannot be cured. Treatment for epilepsy in dogs aims at 'controlling' the seizures.

What is the best medication for epilepsy in dogs?

Two drugs are licensed for the treatment of primary epilepsy in dogs; Phenobarbital (commonly prescribed under the trade name EpiphenTM) and Imepitoin (prescribed under the trade name PexionTM). Potassium bromide (prescribed under the trade name LibromideTM) is licensed for uncontrolled epilepsy in dogs.

What can I do for my dog with epilepsy?

How to Help if Your Dog is Having a SeizureKeep Yourself Calm. ... Sit Near Your Dog. ... Time Your Dog's Seizures. ... Carefully Move Your Dog to a Safer Location. ... Speak in Comforting Tones. ... Lower Your Dog's Body Temperature. ... Wrap and Comfort Your Dog. ... Let Your Dog Sleep.More items...

Can a dog live with epilepsy?

The median number of years that a dog lived with epilepsy was 2.3 years. Females lived longer with epilepsy than males (P = . 036). Seizure type (primary generalized versus focal seizures) was not significantly associated with survival time.

What triggers an epileptic seizure in dogs?

Idiopathic epilepsy, the most common cause of seizures in the dog, is an inherited disorder, but its exact cause is unknown. Other causes include liver disease, kidney failure, brain tumors, brain trauma, or toxins. "Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common cause of seizures in the dog."

What not to feed a dog that has seizures?

Things to Avoid Chemical preservatives, such as BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin may increase seizure activity, as well. At least initially, organ meats such as livers and kidneys should be avoided. An article in Whole Dog Journal suggests that the diet of a dog with seizures should be free of gluten.

How much does epilepsy medication for dogs cost?

Typically, however, dogs will do well with simple diagnostics, simple drugs and simple monitoring that may run as low as $200 to $500 a year--more for larger dogs who require larger doses of medication. More expensive drug choices can mean $500 to $5,000 a year in necessary medication.

How do vets diagnose epilepsy in dogs?

Because seizures can be caused by any process that alters the normal neurological function, a definitive diagnosis can be obtained only after the doctor conducts a physical examination, obtains a thorough history, and has the results of medical and/or advanced imaging (CT or MRI) diagnostics, if necessary.

What natural remedy can I give my dog for seizures?

In both capsule and tincture form, many natural over-the-counter Western herbs — including milk thistle, valerian, and oat straw — are used to treat seizures. Milk thistle is often recommended by holistic veterinarians to be used in conjunction with phenobarbital.

Can a dog suddenly develop epilepsy?

Most epileptic fits usually: happen quite suddenly without warning. last a short time (often only a few seconds or minutes)

What is epilepsy brain?

What is epilepsy? Epilepsy is a brain disorder characterized by recurrent seizures without a known cause or abnormal brain lesion (brain injury or disease). In other words, the brain appears to be normal but functions abnormally.

What is a status epilepticus?

Status epilepticus is a medical emergency. Grand mal or severe seizures: Prolonged or extremely violent seizure episodes. These may worsen over time without treatment. Phenobarbital is a common anti-seizure medication used in dogs, and is usually given twice daily.

What is the best medication for seizures in dogs?

If the levels are too low, seizures will not be controlled. Additional drugs such as potassium bromide or newer human anti-seizure medications such as zonisamide (brand name Zonegran®) or levetiracetam (brand name Keppra®) may be used. Your veterinarian will determine the proper treatment plan for your pet's condition.

What is the most common type of seizures?

Generalized seizures are more common and are often characterized by a stiffening of the neck and legs, stumbling and falling over, uncontrollable chewing, drooling, paddling of the limbs, loss of bladder control, defecating, vocalizing, and violent shaking and trembling.

What is a sudden surge in the electrical activity of the brain causing signs such as twitching, shaking

A seizure is a sudden surge in the electrical activity of the brain causing signs such as twitching, shaking, tremors, convulsions, and/or spasms.

Can a dog have a focalized seizure?

Seizures can vary in appearance and can be focalized (only affecting part of the body - see handout “Focal Seizures and Fly-Biting in Dogs”) or generalized (affecting the whole body – see handout “Seizures in Dogs”).

Can anticonvulsants cause seizures?

Anticonvulsants (anti-seizure medications) are the treatment of choice for epilepsy. There are several commonly used anticonvulsants, and once treatment is started, it will likely be continued for life. Stopping these medications suddenly can cause seizures.

Signs That Your Dog May Be Epileptic

If you believe your dog may be suffering from canine epilepsy, it is crucial to make an appointment with your vet immediately for a complete physical evaluation, particularly if it’s the first time he or she has had a seizure.

Causes and Classifications of Epilepsy in Dogs

There are many different reasons why your dog may experience a seizure – while some are preventable, others may be related to illness or even genetically-based in nature. This section breaks down the types of epilepsy found in dogs and related seizure conditions, along with other common causes for dog seizures.

What is the best medicine for dogs?

The first line treatment in dogs is Phenobarbitone or Potassium Bromide (may be prescribed as Potassium Bromide syrup, Epilease capsules, Libromide capsules) and for cats; Phenobarbitone, Diazepam (Valium) or Gabapentin. Phenobarbitone is often the preferred first choice as it takes effect more quickly (within 2 weeks) than Potassium Bromide ...

How long does it take for phenobarbitone to work?

Phenobarbitone is often the preferred first choice as it takes effect more quickly (within 2 weeks) than Potassium Bromide (3 to 6 months). Potassium Bromide can be used as first choice in animals with pre-existing liver disease or animals with very low seizure frequency. Diazepam is not suitable for maintenance treatment ...

What causes more than one seizure per month?

If the animal has a very severe seizure or a cluster of seizures, irrespective of the frequency of the seizures or seizure cluster. An underlying brain disease has been identified as the cause of the seizures.

When should I treat my dog for seizures?

The first school of thought advises treatment of seizures as soon as a dog is diagnosed as having recurrent seizures (i.e. after the second seizure episode). Experimental evidence and a single study in dogs suggest that early treatment for epilepsy in dogs offers better long-term control of the seizures as compared to animals ...

How long does it take for a dog to stop seizures?

Dosage reduction should only be considered if the animal remains seizure-free for at least a year and should be very gradual over many months to prevent precipitating seizure. If you are concerned about the health of your pet you should contact your veterinary surgeon.

Does phenobarbitone drop with time?

Compared to Bromide, the concentration of Phenobarbitone tends to drop with time in dogs (more or less quickly depending on the dog) if the quantity of tablet is kept unchanged. This means that the quantity of tablets will likely need to be increased to keep the blood concentration at the same level.

Can epileptic seizures be worse than seizures?

Therapy for epileptic seizures may have side effects that, on rare occasions, can be worse than the seizures themselves. Mild side effects are common when first starting treatment for epilepsy in dogs (or increasing the dose) with Phenobarbitone or Bromide and include increased thirst and appetite, more frequent urination, ...

What is the best medication for seizures in dogs?

“Western medications used to treat seizure disorder include diazepam, phenobarbital, and/or potassium bromide,” among others. Phenobarbital administration in the long term can be detrimental to the liver, so dogs who receive it will need to have their liver values assessed with routine blood work.

What is acupuncture needle?

Acupuncture is the practice of inserting thin, sterile, stainless steel needles into specific points on the body. “Most acupuncture points are located along 14 channels, which form a network that carries blood and energy through the entire body,” Barrack explains. “It produces a physiological response. It can provide pain relief, stimulate the immune and nervous systems, increase microcirculation, decrease inflammation, and aid in treating seizures and epilepsy and other neurological diseases.”

How to diagnose a dog with seizures?

Diagnosing Seizures in Dogs. If you believe your dog is having seizures, it’s important to bring him to the vet immediately for a full workup. “This will include taking a detailed history, a complete physical examination, and blood work to help determine the underlying cause of the episodes and the best course of action,” Barrack says.

Why is food therapy important for epilepsy?

“Ketogenic diets—high fat, low carb—have been thought to be helpful in patients with epilepsy, as high fat can help decrease neuron excitability ,” Barrack says.

What does it mean when a dog has seizures?

If your dog suffers from epilepsy and seizures, you’re probably ready to do just about anything to help him. “Epilepsy is defined as repeated episodes of abnormal bursts of electrical energy in your dog’s brain,” says Dr. Rachel Barrack, a certified veterinary acupuncturist of Animal Acupuncture in Manhattan. “This is a very commonly seen neurological disorder in dogs.”

Can Chinese herbal formulas be used with acupuncture?

Chinese herbal formulas can work alone or synergistically with acupuncture to enhance the efficacy of the needling sessions and prolong the duration of the results. “Chinese herbal formulas are incredibly safe with minimal side effects,” Barrack says. “The only side effects seen are minor and transient gastrointestinal upset, such as diarrhea. Additionally, sometimes a patient may seem worse temporarily before they get better.” Talk to your vet about what types of Chinese herbal formulas might be safe for your own pet for try.

Why do you need an MRI for a dog?

An MRI may also be required to evaluate your pet’s brain and to look for other causes of seizures, says Dr. Stephanie Liff, medical director of Pure Paws Veterinary Care in Manhattan.

What is the gene for epilepsy in dogs?

One gene for an inherited epilepsy has been identified in Lagotto Romagnolo dogs. That gene, LGI2, is similar to the previously identified human epilepsy gene LGI1, and scientists believe that a number of heritable epilepsies may have similar causes in humans and canines 1.

What is the term for seizures that originate from only part of the brain?

Focal seizure – seizures originating from only part of the brain and therefore also only affecting part of the body. Generalized seizure – seizures originating from both hemispheres of the brain. Idiopathic epilepsy – epilepsy without an identifiable structural cause, typically assumed to be genetic. Interictal period – the time between seizures.

Why do epilepsy seizures occur?

Structural epilepsy is the diagnosis for seizures that occur because of observable damage to or malformations of the brain.

What is the most critical information needed for the diagnosis of canine epilepsies?

Seizure description is the most critical information needed for the diagnosis of canine epilepsies. There are two basic types of seizures, generalized and focal. Generalized seizures involve both sides of the brain at the onset, and are characterized by clinical signs apparent on both sides of the body.

What is the most common neurological disorder in dogs?

Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder seen in dogs, and has been estimated to affect approximately 0.75% of the canine population 3. The term epilepsy refers to a heterogeneous disease that is characterized by the presence of recurrent, unprovoked seizures resulting from an abnormality of the brain.

What is refractory epilepsy?

Refractory epilepsy – seizures that occur even during treatment with therapeutic doses of antiepileptic medication, i.e. the medication stops being effective. Status epilepticus – a serious condition where seizures follow closely on one another without a break, or where a single seizure lasts more than 5 minutes.

What is the period between seizures?

Interictal period – the time between seizures. Myoclonic seizure – sudden, brief contractions of a muscle or group of muscles. Postictal period – the time immediately following a seizure, where behavioral changes may be observed. Refractory epilepsy – seizures that occur even during treatment with therapeutic doses of antiepileptic medication, i.e.

What causes seizures in dogs?

Infections of the brain cause the disease. Idiopathic Seizure– Idiopathic seizure is an inherited disorder in dogs, and it is the most common cause of seizures in dogs. The reasons are unknown, and they usually happen in dogs between 6 months and six years old.

What are the different types of seizures in dogs?

Types of Epilepsy in Dogs. There are five common types of epilepsy are: Generalized Tonic-clonic Seizure ( also referred to as a grand mal seizure ) - Generalized seizures when the abnormal activity causing an outbreak begins in both halves of the brain simultaneously. Many generalized seizures are the result of epilepsy.

What is a partial seizure?

Complex Partial Seizures ( Psychomotor )- it is a form of epilepsy that is typically limited to the brain’s temporal lobe and results in impairment of awareness and responsiveness to one’s surroundings. Infections of the brain cause the disease. Idiopathic Seizure– Idiopathic seizure is an inherited disorder in dogs, ...

What is epilepsy in dogs?

Epilepsy in Dogs: Causes, Types, Signs, Treatment, and Prevention. Epilepsy in dogs is defined as a neurological disorder. The disease is characterized by sudden, recurring attacks of muscular, sensory, or psychic malformation with or without loss of alertness or convulsive seizures. A seizure indicates the involuntary shrinkage of muscles.

What are the symptoms of focal seizures?

The symptoms of focal seizures are muscle contraction, followed by relaxation, abdominal pain, rapid heart rate or pulse, contractions on just one side of your body. Simple Seizures (focal motor )- Focal motor seizure is a simple partial seizure with localized motor activity.

What is the best medicine for epilepsy in dogs?

Phenobarbital is the most widely used medication to treat epilepsy in the dog. Potassium bromide is being used in some dogs, where the response to conventional medication is disappointing. Potassium bromide had been used to correct human epileptics for over 100 years.

What breed of dog has epilepsy?

The dogs’ breeds that are most likely to suffer from seizures are Shetland sheepdog, Belgian Tervuren, Golden Retriever, Keeshond, or Vizsla. Idiopathic epilepsy is the most widespread cause of seizures in dogs, is an inherited disorder, ...

Integrative Options: Natural Remedies for Dog Seizures

In my practice, acupuncture — the ancient Chinese art of inserting fine needles into specific points in the body to gently move energy, or “chi” — is the most effective treatment for canine epilepsy.

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Jenny Taylor

Jenny Taylor, DVM, is a graduate of UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and has advanced training in acupuncture, homeopathy, and Chinese and Western herbology.