Barking About Canine Epilepsy

During November’s Epilepsy Awareness Month (NEAM)

By Dorothy Wills-Raftery

“Animals do not have a voice, so you’ll never stop hearing mine.”

- Unknown

The Epilepsy Foundation has recognized November as National Epilepsy Awareness Month (NEAM) since 1969. “Much is still misunderstood about this brain disorder,” states the Epilepsy Foundation. “NEAM is an entire month dedicated to uplifting individuals living with the epilepsies and educating the public on what it means to experience seizures.”

Along with the Epilepsy Foundation’s reported 3.4 million people and their families who are affected by Epilepsy, dogs can also experience seizures and be diagnosed with Canine Epilepsy.

“Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disorder in veterinary medicine, and is estimated to affect up to 1% of dogs and 2% of cats in the general population,” states Karen Muñana, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVIM (Neurology), Professor of Neurology, Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Lab at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinarian Medicine, and member of the International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force.

When a dog has a seizure, it’s a frightening thing to watch. As difficult as it is, try to remain calm, and be there for your dog. Know you are not alone—there are many reputable resources and tips available nowadays to help guide you through this journey with your furry best friend. The good news is that with some special care and a vet treatment plan, dogs with Epilepsy can, and do, live full, happy lives enjoying the same activities non-Epis can do, from working as a trained Therapy Dog, to hiking, dock diving, dog sledding, urban mushing, skijoring, bikejoring, showing, or just snuggling up on the couch!

What is Canine Epilepsy?

According to Dr. Muñana, “The term Epilepsy is used to describe recurrent seizures that arise due to an abnormality in the brain. The most common cause for recurrent seizures in dogs is idiopathic epilepsy, and many breeds of dogs are genetically predisposed to this disorder.” 

A diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy simply means that after conducting tests and bloodwork on your dog, no known cause can be determined. While at first this can be a shock, it does not mean bad news as the test results were negative for underlying illness or injury.

Can Canine Epilepsy Be Treated?

The optimal goal is to try to manage the seizures. “Epilepsy is the most common medical neurologic disease in dogs,” states the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation (AKC CHF), a nonprofit organization that is “committed to advancing the health of all dogs.” The AKC CHF notes, “Despite appropriate treatment, it is estimated that 30% of affected dogs continue to have seizures, and many experience adverse effects from anti-seizure medications.”

While there is no known “cure” for Canine Epilepsy, it is typically treated with specifically timed vet prescribed anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), diet, nutrition, holistic therapies, and environmental cautions that can go a long way in helping manage seizures. The key is to find a veterinarian who is an expert in Canine Epilepsy and seizures in dogs who you trust and can easily talk with to plan the best possible course of care and treatment for your Epi-dog.

What Triggers a Seizure in Dogs?

So many things! The list of possible triggers or causes is staggering. Also, it’s important to keep in mind that if a dog has a seizure, it does not necessarily mean a diagnosis of Canine Epilepsy. Regardless, if your dog has a seizure, call the vet immediately! While Canine Epilepsy can be deemed “idiopathic” or no known cause, a good tip is to try and rule out any possible causes/triggers, starting with a vet work-up to rule out any illness or injury.

 

*Below are some, but not limited to, top triggers for seizures in dogs:

• Illness

• Injury

• Brain Tumor

• Genetics

• Foods

• Food/Treat Additives (gluten, rosemary, preservatives, colors)

• Medicinal Side Effect

• Vaccine Side Effect

• Thyroid Imbalance

• Hypoglycemia

• Ingested, Inhaled, or Applied Toxins (including rawhides, flea and tick repellents, scented candles, room fresheners, perfumes, certain essential oils such as Rosemary, Fennel, Sage, Eucalyptus, Spike Lavender**, Tea Tree Oil, Hyssop, Wormwood, and Camphor)

• Environmental Toxins (pesticides, herbicides, automotive fluids, polluted water sources, etc.)

• Stress

• Overheating

• Weather, Storms, and Atmospheric Changes

• Lunar Phases, Solar Flares, and Eclipses

• Flashing, Television, and Strobe Lights

• Fireworks

Note: **Spike Lavender is not to be confused with traditional Lavender. Traditional Lavender (NOT Spike) can have a calming, relaxing effect. As always, check with your vet before using Lavender or any essential oils.

*Source: FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong Online K-9 Epilepsy Resource Library

First Aid for Dogs With Seizures

First and utmost, remain calm. Move other pets to another room. Be sure the area is clear and safe from anything that could fall on your dog while seizing. Keep your hands away from a seizing dog’s mouth. Stay with your dog and talk softly and reassuringly, and gently pet your dog’s side. Time the seizure and video tape, if possible to show your vet. Keep them cool with wet towels, cold packs, cooler collars, a cooler water bed, and a fan. Be prepared to transport your dog to the vet or ER clinic. When they come out of their seizure, the dog can experience temporary blindness, so keep them safe and away from stairs, electrical cords, etc. Give them a few sips of water, a little natural vanilla ice cream (or corn syrup, honey) to help raise their blood sugar followed by a few bites of protein (chicken, cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, etc.), and call your veterinarian.

In this VetVine video, Dr. Muñana explains why a seizure lasting more than five minutes is alarming, and what owners may be instructed to do at home until they can reach the veterinary ER. 

Have an Epi First Aid Kit at the Ready

Make a First Aid Kit for your Epi-dog—one for leaving at home and a travel size version to take along with you on road trips, vacations, walks, and hikes. While you hope you don’t need to use it, it’s always best to be prepared. Besides the standard items in a dog’s First Aid Kit, for Epi-dogs, you should also include prescribed anti-seizure medications, emergency rescue protocol, instant cool packs, thermometer, pheromone spray, Rescue Remedy®, pet towel, bottles of water, hand-held fan, your dog’s seizure journal (unless you are using a digital one), a copy of your Epi-dog’s vet records (in case you are away with your dog or wind up at the emergency hospital), and emergency phone numbers of vet, neurologist, emergency vet hospital, a family member or friend to assist if needed, etc., and access to a dog ramp and/or cover or blanket to move your dog if need be.

    

When a dog goes into a seizure, his/her body temperature can rise to dangerous levels and prolonged exposure to high temps can pose a real health danger to your dog, possibly even cause brain damage. Cooling a dog during and after a seizure with cold packs can lower the dog’s body temperature, but you may ask:

• Where do you put the packs? 

• How long do I apply them? 

• Do I need to wrap the cool pack in a towel? 

• Will the cooling down cause my dog to go into shock? 

You can check out the answer to all these questions, by reading a previous 4Knines post for the #FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong #Paws4Purple infographic poster Cooling Down an Epi-Dog: Where Do I Put Cold Packs post.

30 Days of Canine Epilepsy Tips for NEAM:

Reliable K9 Epilepsy Sources, Information, Clinical Trials, Tips, Networks & More…

Companion Animal Epilepsy Research Lab at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine

FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong K-9 Epilepsy Online Resource Library

American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation

Royal Veterinary College Epilepsy in Companion Animals

The Wally Foundation~Canine Epilepsy Facebook Page

#Paws4Purple Initiative (Collaboration with FiveSibes & Purple Day Every Day/The Anita Kaufmann Foundation)

Canine Epilepsy Resources & Home of the EPIL-K Email Support List

Oh, The Life of Olivia Facebook Page

Ruby the Therapy Dog Facebook Page

GIBBS-erish…Making Sense of Canine Epilepsy Facebook Group

FiveSibes: Siberian Husky K9 News & Reviews Facebook Page

Did You Know?

One of 4Knines heavy duty, easy-to-clean vehicle seat covers or bed liners is a must-have for muddy and wet pawprints, and it’s also helpful if you have a dog who has seizures for easy clean-up afterwards. 4Knines seat covers are designed to provide unbeatable protection against the messes and mishaps that come with active families and furry friends.