A seizure can be a very frightening thing for both the dog experiencing it and the owner. Seizures can be treated in a variety of ways. These include safe, modern medications that can be prescribed by a veterinarian. Some owners opt to treat their dog with homemade natural remedies. All dog owners should be cautious not to be lulled away from medications that could save your dog from having future seizures.
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Seizures
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Seizures are a disruption in the brain causing en electrical impulse storm that inhibits the body's normal control of the muscles. During an EEG (electroencephalogram), the seizure will show as sharp spikes in the electrical impulses of the brainwaves. This results in uncontrolled movement of the muscles and movement of the animal. These seizures can be caused by trauma to the brain, a reaction to a toxin or some sort of problem in the brain such as a tumor, infection or a stroke.
Treatment
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There are medications that can be administered to dogs to help keep the seizures under control. Some of these include phenobarbital and potassium bromide.
According to vetinfo.com, phenobarbital can exhibit a few side effects such as lethargy, excessive hunger, excessive thirst, loss of coordination and getting excited easily. With a loss of coordination, a dog could be prone to injuring himself.
Potassium bromide can take months before working effectively and may also include side effects such as weakness, vomiting, nausea and loss of coordination. This medication should only be given if the dog has good kidney function, otherwise there is a possibility of poisoning a dog with kidney failure.
Homeopathic Treatment
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When seizures cannot be controlled quickly, many dog owners may look for alternative treatments. These alternative treatments do not always work with every dog. Canine-epilepsy.net recommends that a dog owner should not overlook modern medicinal treatments for homeopathic remedies that may have a few user testimonies. The Food and Drug Administration approves modern medicine to be safe. There is nothing to prove, though, that some homeopathic remedies cannot potentially be dangerous. However, holisticpetinfo.com suggests homeopathic remedies can help when they are combined with a proper diet. The website states that passionflower and skullcap are herbs that can calm an overactive nervous system. It is up to the owners to make the decision regarding what kind of treatment is the best for their dog.
Diet
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In place of commercial foods that contain preservatives and byproducts, many people believe that a raw diet may help with canine seizures. Raw or cooked foods may be the best diet option for your dog. If you cannot make your dog's food, choose a commercial dog food that is high in pure protein, with no dyes, fillers or preservatives. Some dogs may be allergic to specific foods, which can possibly cause seizures. You should always consult your veterinarian before feeding your dog a homemade diet.
Vitamin B
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Vetinfo.com states that many researchers believe that some seizures may be caused by a lack of vitamin B. You can give your dog a vitamin B supplement to see if it may help reduce his seizures.
Safe Alternative Therapies
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Canine-epilepsy.net states that some alternative therapies such as massage, magnets and acupuncture are safe to use in treating seizures. These methods may help to keep the dog in a calm state.
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