Forrester, S. Dru

Lawhorn, Bruce

English

Texas A&M University

Texas Agricultural Extension Service
Canine
Epi,lepsy
Texas Agricultural Extension Service. The Texas A&M University System
Zerle L. Carpenter, Director. College Station, Texas
Canine Epilepsy
S. Dru Forrester and Bruce Lawhorn*
Epilepsy is a disorder characterized by recurrent
seizures. Seizures, also known as fits or convulsions,
occur when an area of nerve cells in the brain becomes
overexcitable. This area is often called a seizure focus.
The mechanism responsible for development of a
seizure focus is unknown.
There are two general categories of canine epilepsy:
inherited and acquired. Inherited epilepsy affects about
1 percent of the canine population. Breeds which may
inherit epilepsy include the beagle, Belgian shepherd,
German shepherd, dachshund and keeshond. A genetic
factor is suspected in other frequently affected breeds
such as the cocker spaniel, collie, golden retriever,
Labrador retriever, Irish setter, miniature schnauzer,
poodle, Saint Bernard, Siberian husky and wire-haired
fox terrier.
Acquired epilepsy may occur months to years after
an injury or illness that causes brain damage. In many
cases, the dog is completely normal except for oc-
casional seizures. Causes of acquired epilepsy include
trauma, infection, poisons, hypoxia (lack of oxygen)
and low blood sugar concentration.
The pet owner plays an important role in helping the
veterinarian to diagnose epilepsy, especially in distin-
guishing between inherited and acquired epilepsy. In
taking the pet's history, the veterinarian may ask ques-
tions about the type of seizures, how frequently they
occur, and also the age of the pet when the first seizure
occurred. The first seizure of inherited epilepsy usually
occurs between the ages of 1 and 3 years. Seizures that
occur before 6 months or after 5years of age are probab-
ly the result of acquired epilepsy, although acquired
epilepsy may begin at any age.
Inherited epilepsy is characterized by generalized
seizures that affect the dog's entire brain and body. The
dog usually falls on its side and displays paddling
motions wi th all 4 limbs. There is usually loss of con-
sciousness; the dog is not aware of its surroundings and
will not respond when its name is called. There may be
excessive drooling, and the dog may urinate or pass
.. Lecturer, College ofVeterirulry Medicine and Extension veterinarian, The
Texas A&M University System.
feces during or after the seizure. The seizure usually
lasts no longer than 1 to 2 minutes, although the dog
may act abnormal before and after the seizure.
Acquired epilepsy is characterized by partial
seizures. A partial seizure affects only one part of the
body and the dog does not lose consciousness. Signs
that may be observed during a partial seizure include
turning of the head to one side, muscular contractions
of one or both legs on the same side and bending of the
body to one side. These are called localizing signs be-
cause they help to determine the location of the seizure
focus in the brain. The localizing sign may occur only
briefly, after which the seizure becomes generalized.
When this occurs it may be difficult to distinguish be-
tween acquired and inherited epilepsy. Therefore, it is
very helpful if the owner observes the entire seizure and
watches for localizing signs.
Epilepsy is treated by giving anticonvulsant medica-
tion orally several times a day. This is effective in 60 to
70 percent of epileptic dogs. Unfortunately, complete
elimination of seizures usually is not possible. Instead,
reducing the frequency, severity and duration of the
seizures is the goal of anticonvulsant therapy. The
owner usually makes the final decision about when to
begin anticonvulsant therapy. Each owner may have
different reasons for wanting to begin treatment early
or for waiting a while. It is generally recommended that
anticonvulsant medication be given when seizures
occur more often than once every 6 weeks, or when
severe clusters of seizures occur more often than once
every 2 months.
The single most important factor in the success of
treatment is the willingness of the owner to consistently
give the medication as directed. Each dog responds
differently and must be treated as an individual. Ad-
justments in drug dosage and the frequency of drug
ad mini stra tion are sometimes necessary. The
veterinarian may need to obtain blood samples from the
dog in order to measure the concentration ofdrug in the
bloodstream. This may need to be done several times
during the dog's life, especially when the frequency or
severity of seizures increases.
Anticonvulsant medications should never be discon-
tinued suddenly because status epilepticus could occur,
resulting in death. Status epilepticus is a series of
seizures with no periods of consciousness in between.
This is a medical emergency and the pet owner should
seek veterinary care immediately.
Educational programs conducted by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service
serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex,
religion, handicap or national origin.
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home
Economics, Acts of Congress of May 8, 1914, as amended, and June 3D, 1914,
in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture. Zerle L.
Carpenter, Director, Texas Agricultural Extension Service, The Texas A&M
University System.
8M-10-90, New VM


Canine Epilepsy.

https://oaktrust.library.tamu.edu/bitstream/1969.1/166882/4/2438/Leaf2438.pdf

Canine Epilepsy.

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