Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Epilepsy in Dogs

Epilepsy is a brain disorder characterized by recurrent seizures without a known cause or abnormal brain lesion. In other words, the brain appears normal but functions abnormally. A seizure causes symptoms such as twitching, tremors, convulsions, or spasms as a result of an increase in the brain's electrical activity.

Epilepsy in dogs is usually idiopathic epilepsy. Idiopathy means that no underlying cause can be found for the disorder. Today, idiopathic epilepsy is generally thought to be caused by a genetic disorder. It is known that various genetic variants cause some breeds to be more susceptible to epilepsy. Epilepsy is more common among purebred dogs. The incidence of epilepsy is much higher in male dogs than in female dogs. In most dogs that experience epileptic seizures, the first seizure occurs between the ages of 1 and 5. In one out of every three dogs that have an epileptic seizure, the underlying cause is a structural or metabolic disorder.

Symptoms of Epilepsy in Dogs

The way epileptic seizures occur can vary from dog to dog. In some dogs, seizures affect only one part of the body, while in others, the problem is seen throughout the body. Seizures affecting the entire body are more common. The most common symptoms of epilepsy include: Symptoms include:

• Stiffness in the neck and feet,
• Stumbling,
• Falling,
• Uncontrolled chewing,
• Drooling,
• Inability to control limbs,
• Loss of bladder control,
• Uncontrolled defecation,
• Constant barking,
• Violent shaking.

Seizures usually last from a few seconds to a few minutes. Dogs may lose consciousness during a seizure. After the seizure ends, the dog may appear confused, unbalanced, or drowsy. This is called post-seizure depression.

After a seizure, many pets experience a phase called the aura. During this phase, the dog may appear anxious, frightened, or disoriented, as if sensing another seizure. Approximately 2% of all dogs experience seizures throughout their lives.

Diagnosis of Epilepsy in Dogs

The diagnosis of epilepsy is actually possible through differential diagnosis. Epilepsy is diagnosed after ruling out all other health problems that could cause seizures. A comprehensive medical history and physical examination are required. Then, various blood and urine tests are performed. Various imaging methods such as X-rays or MRIs are also used for diagnosis. Cerebrospinal fluid testing can also be performed to confirm the condition.

Treatment of Epilepsy in Dogs

The main medications used in the treatment of epilepsy are anticonvulsant drugs. Seizures do not occur while the medication is used. However, seizures return when the medication is stopped. Since epilepsy is not a curable disease, medication use continues for life. It is absolutely necessary not to stop medication once it has started. Because seizures seen after medication treatment is stopped are much more severe.

Medication treatment is only preferred if the dog has seizures more than once a month, if the seizures occur at short intervals, or if the seizures are very severe. Seizures that recur at very short intervals, last for minutes, or even if one seizure ends and another begins immediately, are called epilepticus. Epilepticus is a life-threatening condition. When such a situation occurs, the dog needs immediate medical attention. There are various medications that prevent seizures. However, the decision to use these medications is made by a veterinarian. For the medications to be effective, they must be used as recommended by the veterinarian. Most dogs can return to their normal lives and continue their lives without experiencing any seizures thanks to anti-seizure medications. In some, seizures may occur very rarely. However, the severity of these seizures is much milder and their duration is much shorter than the seizures that occurred before starting medication.

There are various medications available to prevent seizures. However, the use of these medications is decided by a veterinarian. For the medications to be effective, they must be used as recommended by the veterinarian. Most dogs can return to their normal lives and continue without experiencing any seizures thanks to anti-seizure medications. In some, seizures may occur very rarely. However, the severity of these seizures is much milder and their duration is much shorter compared to seizures that occurred before starting medication.