Dogs can contract many serious disorders and diseases. Epilepsy is not a disease they catch, but rather something dogs are genetically prone to. This disorder has some violent physical symptoms, including seizures and weakness in both front and hind legs.
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The Facts
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Epilepsy is one of a number of disorders that is caused by misfirings and chemical imbalances in a dog's brain. Overactive neurons in the brain signal for too much movement in a dog's body, which presents as a seizure. This disorder is caused by genetics and, according to the Canine Epilepsy Network, occurs most frequently in German shepherds, beagles, boxers, labs, St. Bernards, Irish setters and poodles.
Seizures
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Epileptic seizures consist of an "aura," when the signs of oncoming seizure present, "ictus," when the dog seizes up and "postical phase," when the dog recovers from the seizure. In total, this presents as a process of the dog becoming restless and upset for several hours, a seizure, and then continued spacy and wandering behavior as the dog recuperates.
Causes
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Epilepsy is considered to be a genetic disorder, passed from parent to pup through bloodlines. A genetic predisposition is "turned on" given time, environment, toxic substances, metabolism or brain disorders. Epilepsy often runs in tandem with brain tumors.
Front Leg Weakness
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Leg weakness occurs during both the aura and ictus phases of an epileptic seizure. This weakness causes a lack of balance and strength, and possible collapse. Additional weakness is brought on by the stress of the seizure itself, so that the dog may continue to have trouble walking during his recovery.
Treatments
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Epilepsy is not a curable disorder, but is management through medications and preparation. Anti-seizure medications work to keep seizures from happening, and to keep them mild when they do. Owners of epileptic dogs are taught to recognize the signs of oncoming seizure and to responsibly manage the seizures to keep the dogs out of danger.
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