Treating The Disease Of Epilepsy Dogs Will Develop
Dealing with epilepsy dogs often have is a disease that is characterized by recurring seizures. It is important to note that not all seizures are indicative of epilepsy. The disease is caused by abnormal brain function where electrical impulses malfunction and cause the well-known seizures. It is a disease that occurs in all breeds of dogs, and is thought to be genetic.
Epilepsy is a disease that can be divided into two types. The primary form of epilepsy is genetic. This form of epilepsy is passed down through the dogs parents. By looking at a dogs heredity you will often see other cases of the disease.
The other type of the disease is often caused by a lack of nutrients, or a toxin in the environment. Lead and other toxic substances can trigger the epileptic seizures, as can a lack of certain vitamins.
Seizures are a main indicator of epilepsy. However there are all sorts of seizures. The seizures categories in humans are similar to those found in dogs. The most sever are grand mal. In these seizures, dog’s will often times fall to the floor and look to have lost control over its motor facilities.
Seizures come in all degrees. There are some seizures which are very slight. The dog may appear to be shaking and or twitching. It may not appear to even be a seizure to many people.
Having a dog with epilepsy can present many problems, however you can find ways to help treat the dog. While there is no cure for epilepsy there are medications that can treat it. These medications can limit the amount of seizures or limit the degree to which the seizures occur. Some of the medications are the same medications that humans use. Valium is used in some instances, as well as neurontin, are some of the medications.
One of the first things any dog owner should do if they notice something that resembles a seizure is to take notice of everything the dog is doing. They should try and remember what the dog was doing before, and what it does after. All of this information will help the vet determine the type of epilepsy and how it can be treated.
Keeping watch over your dogs eating habits is very important. Besides what food they are eating, it is important to observe and see if there are any poisons or toxins in the area which they have access to.
Once the seizure has occurred, your veterinarian will conduct a series of tests. These tests will determine if your dog has epilepsy. These tests will range from determining the level of lead in your dogs blood, to taking advanced imaging tests of the dogs brain.
You should try and keep the area where the dog is going to be as clean as possible. Any toxic substances such as lead must not be allowed to be near the dog, as these can lead to seizures. After the dog has been prescribed medication you have to watch for reactions. Negative side effects such as liver damage are often associated with epilepsy drugs.
Some of the drug treatments can injure a dog if they are halted all together. Like any medication they should be slowly lowered and not completely stopped. Withdrawal all at once can cause injury to the dog.
Even though a dog cannot be cured of epilepsy there are drugs and lifestyle changes that can make the dogs life more tolerable. The fact that it has a disease does not mean that its quality of life will be terrible. With medication and diligent observation many dogs with epilepsy live happy lives.
Sandra DeMers is the author of Cory’s Story, the story of how one dog conquered canine epilepsy that will absolutely AMAZE you. Visit her website to learn other epilepsy dogs and Sandra’s secret to good canine health–you’ll be surprised when you learn the truth.