Seizures are caused by an abnormal electrical discharge in the brain. Canine seizures are not only frustrating, but also scary, especially when you witness the effects on your dog. Common symptoms of canine seizures include violent shaking, muscle twitching, staring, stiffness and urination. When it comes to treating your dog's seizures, your veterinarian is your best source of information. However, you may also want to consider using herbs.
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Skullcap
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Skullcap is a perennial herb that is used as a dietary supplement for various treatments. It is a nervine, which refers to plants that benefit the nervous system. Skullcap is used to treat epilepsy and anxiety, and it works as a sedative.
Referring to a 2004 study on rats and herbal treatments for seizures at Laurentian University in Ontario, Canada, rats that were given a weak solution of the herbal fluid extracts of skullcap, gelsemium and Jimson Weed showed no signs of seizures during treatment. And, when the treatment was removed, the rats resumed displaying spontaneous seizures.
"Although there is no proof that herbal remedies can control limbic or temporal lobe epilepsy, the results of this experiment strongly suggest that the appropriate combination of herbal compounds may be helpful as adjunctive interventions," says Dr. Ray Sahelian, a physician who tests herbs on himself.
Passionflower
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This herb was first used in the Americas and later in Europe for anxiety, insomnia, seizures and hysteria. Passionflower calms overactive nervous systems, which can cause seizures.
Studies, such as one conducted at Roozbeh Psychiatry Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Iran, have tested and confirmed the positive effects of passionflower on people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The flavonoid chrysin, found in passionflower, has been shown to have sedative and anti-anxiety effects and prevents seizures induced by factors such as fever or drugs.
Flower Essences
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Flower essences are diluted extracts from various flowers and other plants that are used as treatments in both humans and animals. They come in a number of herbal combinations for many types of ailments related to energy levels, mood and personality.
Early 20th century homeopath Dr. Edward Bach developed and marketed a combination of ingredients called Rescue Remedy. The combination of equal parts rock rose, impatiens, clematis, star-of-Bethlehem and cherry plum helps with stress, trauma and recovery after a seizure. A 2007 study conduct by researchers at the University of Miami School of Nursing backs claims that Rescue Remedy is an effective stress reliever. It can also help reduce the recurrence of seizures.
Belladonna
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An holistic veterinarian may recommend using belladonna, a perennial herbaceous plant, to control seizures. It is also good if your pet has seizures that are caused by hyperthermia (high fever). A study conducted at Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India, confirmed the reduction and ultimate elimination of seizures in the study's subjects.
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