Idiopathic Epilepsy in Dogs

Epilepsy is a general term for neurological disorders that are characterized by recurrent seizures. In some cases, the seizures are caused by trauma, a toxin, a brain tumor, an infection, or an issue with your dog’s blood, kidneys, or other organs. At other times, the epilepsy is referred to as “idiopathic,” which simply means that there is no identifiable, underlying cause.

Seizures commonly fall into two categories: generalized (grand mal) or partial (focal). Generalized seizures commonly appear as involuntary jerking or twitching movements of all four limbs with loss of consciousness. Partial seizures may involve one limb, side of the body, or face. Partial seizures may progress to generalized seizures. Seizures may also result in abnormal behavior, vocalization, salivation, chomping/chewing, and involuntary urination and defecation.

Dogs with idiopathic epilepsy typically have their first seizures between the ages of 6 months to 6 years. Though idiopathic epilepsy can occur in any breed, it is considered an inheritable disease in many breeds and in some breeds a genetic basis has been identified. Therefore, dogs diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy should not be used for breeding. Commonly affected breeds include:

• Labrador retrievers

• Golden retrievers

• Poodles

• Keeshonds

• Beagles

• German shepherds

• Dachshunds

• Irish setters

• Cocker spaniels

Symptoms of Epilepsy in Dogs

Prolonged seizures lasting more than 5 minutes or two or more consecutive seizures without full recovery are referred to as status epilepticus. This is a true emergency and you should seek immediate veterinary care for you pet. Two or more seizures in 24 hours are referred to as cluster seizures and are an indication for beginning anti-seizure medication.

In dogs, seizures often occur in three distinct phases:

1. The first is called the aural phase and the most common signs are behavioral changes. These changes may be subtle and include restlessness, attention seeking or anxious behavior.

2. The second phase, called the ictal phase, is when the seizure itself takes place. A seizure can last from just a few seconds to several minutes.

3. The final phase is called the postictal phase, which occurs after the seizure. During this phase, your dog may seem restless, incoordinated and/or disoriented. Occasionally, temporary blindness, deafness or other neurologic abnormalities may occur.

It may be difficult to watch your pet have a seizure but most are of short duration and cause no permanent harm. Avoid being bitten by keeping your hands away from your pet’s mouth during a seizure. If it can be done safely, provide padding and move your pet away from stairs to prevent injury.

Diagnosis of Epilepsy in Dogs

Your veterinarian will take a complete history and perform a thorough physical and neurological exam to determine if there is an identifiable, underlying cause of your dog’s seizure.

In order to do so, the following tests may be recommended:

• Chemistry tests to evaluate kidney, liver, and pancreatic function, as well as sugar levels and electrolytes

• A complete blood count to screen for infection, inflammation, anemia, and other blood-related conditions

• Urinalysis

• PCR testing and/or serology to evaluate for infectious diseases that may cause seizures

• Referral to a neurologist for advanced testing including MRI and cerebrospinal fluid analysis

• Cultures, PCR testing, and other specialized tests that can identify if specific parasites or diseases could be the cause

Treatment of Epilepsy in Dogs

Epilepsy cannot be cured, but it can usually be controlled with anticonvulsant drugs. If your veterinarian determines that your dog’s epilepsy is idiopathic, one or more of the following medications may be prescribed:

• Phenobarbital helps reduce the frequency of your dog’s seizures and is the most prescribed medication for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. It is generally a well-tolerated drug.

• Potassium bromide is another seizure medication that may be added to your dog’s treatment, if she does not respond well to phenobarbital alone.

With these medications, as with all drugs, some patients experience side effects. In order to make sure an adequate dose is being given, and to monitor for side effects, it is important that blood levels of each medication as well as complete blood counts and blood chemistry profiles be monitored periodically. Liver function tests may also be indicated. Your veterinarian will advise what monitoring needs to be done and how often. Medication dosages should not be changed without talking to your veterinarian.

Dogs diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy may require treatment for life, and sometimes more than one drug is needed for adequate seizure control. And while many dogs are well controlled, some are not despite multiple medications. In addition, adequate seizure control does not necessarily guarantee that a dog will be entirely seizure free. The degree of seizure control may need to be balanced against potential side effects of the medications.

Management of Epilepsy in Dogs

Besides medication, there are many ways for you, yourself, to help manage your pet’s epilepsy:

• Maintain a seizure log that lists date, time, length and severity of seizures as well as videotape and share this with your veterinarian

• Do not change or discontinue medications without consulting your veterinarian

• Have blood work and other lab work done when recommended by your veterinarian

• Consult your veterinarian whenever you notice a change in your pet’s condition

• Put a medical alert tag on your pet’s collar so that if he becomes lost, whoever finds him will be aware of their seizure disorder and need for medication.

Several treatments are available for pets with epilepsy. By working closely with your veterinarian, you can maximize the chances of controlling the disorder and giving your pet a long, happy, and comfortable life.

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My Dog Gets Anxious Going to the Vet

In a recent study released by the American Veterinary Medical Association (reported by NewSTAT), dogs undergo considerable stress and anxiety when they go for veterinary visits.

The study looked at 36 seemingly normal, healthy client-owned dogs and measured a number of parameters when the dogs were at home and again at the veterinary facility. This study evaluated changes in vital signs when dogs traveled between the home environment and the veterinary environment. Differences were recorded between dogs in the two environments.

These dogs had their respiratory rate, pulse rate, rectal temperature, and systolic arterial blood pressure measured in their home environment. They were then taken to the veterinary hospital and the measurements were repeated. The changes between the two environments were significant.

Dog anxiety at the veterinarian’s office

According to aaha.org, significant differences in blood pressure, rectal temperature, and pulse rate were observed between measurements obtained in the two environments. “Mean blood pressure increased by 16%..., rectal temperature increased (by < 1%)…, and pulse rate increased by 11% …. The number of dogs panting in the hospital environment (63%) was significantly higher than the number of dogs panting at home (17%).” Panting is frequently considered an indication of stress.

Similar studies of human patients have revealed a similar “white coat syndrome;” an elevation of blood pressure limited to the doctor’s office.

While more studies are indicated to evaluate the significance of these seemingly stress-related findings, it would appear that cats are not the only pets stressed when traveling to the veterinarian. Of course, routine veterinary visits for your pet are no less important than your own visits to the doctor. Therefore, efforts should be made to reduce the stress associated with veterinary visits.

Help your dog avoid anxiety at the veterinarian’s office

One important tip to reducing the stress of a vet visit is centered around car rides.

Steps to get your pet accustomed to car rides:

1. Some dogs get upset just getting in the car. Remember, they haven’t always had a positive experience. Begin by just putting your dog in the car with you for a few minutes. Don’t even start the car, just speak softly and pet your dog. Then let your dog out of the car and give them a treat. Repeat this several times daily, for a few days, until they associate getting into the car with the treat.

2. When you're both comfortable in the car, start the engine. Again, just sit there reassuring your dog; give them a treat. Repeat this for a couple of days.

3. Next, drive around a block or two and take your dog home for a treat. As your dog gets more comfortable, lengthen the drives and end them with a reward—a treat, a walk—whatever your dog seems to enjoy. A few days of this will show your dog that there are good things associated with the car.

4. Drive to the veterinary clinic, but don’t take your dog in. just wait in the car and drive back home. You can walk the dog on a leash, around the parking lot, or just take the dog in and give them a reward.

5. Schedule an appointment and take the dog into the exam room—no shots, no treatments— just a reward.

6. Always end your visit to the veterinarian with a treat and, on occasion, a play period.

Granted, this will take some time and commitment, but it will do a lot to eliminate the fear factor.

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