The Newfoundland breed of dogs is one that that can be a close companion to to their human counterparts. They are commonly used as rescue dogs, especially water rescue, however due to their size, they can acquire certain health problems and should be watched carefully.
-
Newfoundland Breed
-
Newfoundland dogs are also called Newfies or Newfs for short. They are originally from Canada and were used as water dogs to help fisherman by pulling boats and nets of fish, and have even saved fishermen's lives. They have a thick, water-resistant double coat to protect them while working in the water. They grow to approximately 26 to 30 inches high, and 100 to 150 lbs. They have a life expectancy of 7 to 10 years.
Health Concerns
-
Newfoundlands' are prone to health problems that include hip and elbow dysplasia, along with heart conditions, gastric torsion, cataracts and hypothyroidism, according to Pet Place.
Epilepsy and Seizures
-
Epilepsy is a seizure disorder that can be acquired or congenital and is due to abnormal activity in the brain. During a seizure, the dog may collapse, twitch and slobber excessively. It may also lose control of its bladder and bowels while making running movements with all four legs. This seizure can last for several minutes, and the dog may appear to be dazed after the seizure is over.
A few things that can trigger the onset of a seizure include anxiety, fatigue, loud noises, bright light and excitement. Make a note of what happened before the seizure to help your veterinarian come to a better diagnosis.
When a seizure comes on, cover your dog with a blanket and stay nearby until the seizure settles down. There is nothing that you can do to stop the seizure from happening. Any seizure lasting over 5 minutes can be dangerous and can cause permanent brain damage.
Treatment for Seizures
-
If your dog has a seizure, it should be seen by a veterinarian to determine the cause of the seizure and discuss any treatments. Treatment may include anticonvulsant drugs such as primidone and phenobarbitol. In order for these medications to be effective, they have to be prescribed in the correct dosage amount and should be administered properly. Stay in close contact with your veterinarian while treating epilepsy.
Alternative Treatment
-
There are various alternative treatments available for treating dogs who suffer from epilepsy. Some of these include acupuncture, massage, herbal therapy and vitamin supplements such as vitamins C, E and B and zinc. Consult a holistic veterinarian if you are considering alternative treatment for your dog for seizure-related problems.
-