Canine Epilepsy Symptoms
Canine epilepsy is extremely common in the dog population, although it is not always recognized or diagnosed. Some breeds of dog are more prone to epilepsy, though it can affect all breeds. Canine epilepsy is characterized by seizures, which can range from mild to potentially fatal. It's important for all dog owners to recognize a seizure if they see it, so they can describe it to their vet. Dogs who are affected by canine epilepsy can receive treatment for their seizures, once diagnosed.
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Significance
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Human epilepsy syndromes have been experienced and recognized throughout history. Canine epilepsy was perhaps less important, and so was ignored until recently. Its features, however, are similar to those of human epilepsy. Epileptic seizures, depending on their strength and range, can prove fatal to dogs. They may occur only once, or be recurring, in which case they're a symptom of canine epilepsy. Seizures and epilepsy are genetic, but also can be caused by anything that has damaged the right side of the dog's brain, like a stroke, tumor or accident.
Causes
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Canine epileptic seizures are caused by electrical misfiring in the dog's brain. Chemical signals in the brain cue the dog's body to live, move and react. When these signals become "excitatory" (signaling movement or activation), a seizure occurs. If the seizure is strong enough, it could kill the dog.
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Types
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Canine epileptic seizures come in two varieties: generalized and focal seizures. A generalized seizure means what it says: the misfiring of the brain affects the dog's entire body at the same time. Its whole body seizes up. A focal seizure is also called a "partial" seizure, because the abnormal brain activity only affects a small part of the dog's brain. This type of seizure affects specific body parts. These two large classifications are divided into more specific types of seizures, but give a dog owner a broad idea of what to look for in an epileptic seizure.
Symptoms and Features
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Symptoms of an epileptic seizure can differ depending on what type of seizure the dog is experiencing. Most seizures, however, have three phases. The first, called the aura or prodrome, is an obvious change in the dog's behavior. This usually shows as the dog becoming upset and restless. The second step is the actual seizure. The dog may fall on its side, with its head back and legs stiff. The dog will remain unconscious during this time, and won't be aware of any sounds or movements it makes. The tonic, or unconscious part of the seizure, lasts for about 30 seconds, and is followed by the clonic phase--rhythmic movements of the jaws or legs. Seizures generally last about two minutes. Post-seizure behavior will include the dog's recovery--it may lay on its side, recovering, then appear disoriented, and possibly hungry or aggressive.
Treatments
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Treatments for canine epilepsy vary, depending on the cause. If a brain tumor is causing the seizures, removing the tumor through surgery might halt the seizures and cure the epilepsy. In cases where there isn't an easy fix, the only treatments are medication and education on how to manage the seizures. The medications control the intensity, duration and number of seizures, but cannot eliminate them entirely. Dogs with canine epilepsy are therefore put on lifetime management programs. Their owners are taught to manage the seizures, and make their dogs as comfortable as possible, with the help of the medication.
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