Seizures are the number one symptom of pug dog encephalitis. PDE is an inflammation of the brain and normally occurs in pugs ages 2 to 3. Pugs suffering from epilepsy or ones that have been exposed to harmful toxins or chemicals may also have seizures. But even if the root of the seizure is known, a pug will still need to take supplements, and the owner may choose to treat with traditional or alternative medicine.
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Vitamin Supplements
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Although most dogs are not vitamin deficient, positive side effects have been seen in treating dog seizures with vitamin supplements. The right supplement depends on the individual dog, and it is important to consult with an animal health care professional for the best treatment.
A few of the vitamins most commonly used in treating seizures include Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, which is an antioxidant that helps dogs detoxify. Vitamin E is another antioxidant naturally occurring in the body and is crucial in maintaining the structure of cell membranes. Vitamin B complex is important to nerve tissue throughout the body and is often given, as the body requires it daily but does not store it. It is also common to give a zinc supplement to treat dog seizures. Zinc deficiency is a proven cause of human epilepsy and is speculated to be a cause in dogs, as well.
Traditional Treatments
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If an owner chooses to treat his pug's seizure with traditional medicine, there are numerous anticonvulsant drugs available. Phenobarbital is generally regarded as the most effective. The drug is normally given orally twice a day and is relatively inexpensive.
When first put on the drug, a dog may act as though sedated, but this normally changes as the dog's metabolism adjusts to the drug. Excessive thirst and appetite, however, are permanent side effects. It is also important to monitor the blood and kidney toxicity levels of a dog on this medication. Some animal hospitals recommend two blood and kidney tests per year while dogs are on the medicine. For dogs on phenobarbital, alternative medicine recommends using milk thistle to offset the potential liver damage.
Other Treatments
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According to Swiftwater Farms, phenobarbital taken alone will not be enough to control seizures in about 20 to 30 percent of dogs. In these instances, vets may recheck blood levels and give a higher dosage of phenobarbital. If the seizures continue to be uncontrollable, they may prescribe phenobarbital along with potassium bromide.
Other anti-epileptic medications sometimes given to treat seizures in dogs include benzodiazepine drugs, such as Valium. Valium has been shown to treat seizures in dogs momentarily but is not recommended for long-term use. These drugs have many side effects, and there is a chance the dog will become addicted to the medicine.
Vets may also give primidone, although this is used less frequently because it must be given three times a day and there is an increased chance of liver toxicity.
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