Canine epilepsy causes seizures in dogs one to five years old. Afflicted dogs do not exhibit any brain damage. Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine says that epilepsy in dogs is most likely caused from inheriting a chemical brain defect. The dog’s seizure usually lasts about two minutes, causing stiff legs, snapping jaws, drooling, urinating, bowel movement and unresponsiveness. (Reference 1) Knowing the steps to deal with dog epilepsy is beneficial for both you and your dog.
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Epilepsy Medication
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Antiepileptic drugs reduce the number, length and strength of seizures a dog experiences. Epilepsy is incurable, so controlling the seizures is important. Keeping notes on when the dog has a seizure, the length of the seizure and the severity of the seizure is helpful for giving the veterinarian accurate information. The veterinarian can then prescribe the most effective epilepsy medication for the dog. The most common antiepileptic drugs for canines are Phenobarbital, potassium bromide and diazepam. (Reference 1)
Monitor Blood Levels
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It is necessary to bring an epileptic dog to the veterinarian on a regular basis so the dog’s blood levels can be tested. The blood test determines how long it takes the dog to break down the medication. How the dog metabolizes the drug will affect any changes in the dosage. An epileptic dog’s blood level is usually checked every two to four weeks when first beginning the medication. Once the correct dosage is prescribed, levels are checked every six months. (Reference 1)
Handling a Seizure
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If your dog collapses into a seizure, try to stay calm and write down the time of the seizure. Put the dog on the floor if he is on a couch or a bed so he won’t fall off and hurt himself. Check the area around the dog, making sure it is safe. Move away any furniture that the dog might bump into. Make sure to stay away from the dog’s mouth because she has no idea who you are when in a seizure. The dog could bite you without even knowing it. The only thing you can do for a dog that is having a seizure is to keep her safe and wait it out. When the seizure is over, write a description of it in a notebook with the date. (Reference 2)
Dog’s Quality of Life
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Dogs with epilepsy live healthy, active lives between seizures. An epileptic dog has a normal lifespan if the seizures are controlled. With medication, seizures usually occur only once per month or less and the severity is minimal. Between seizures, a dog can live an active, healthy lifestyle doing everything other dogs do. Veterinarians recommend that you do not breed an epileptic dog because the condition is hereditary. Female dogs should be spayed because hormonal changes related to the heat cycle inhibit the medication.(Reference 2)
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