Standard Schnauzers & Seizures
Recurrent seizures in standard Schnauzers may indicate epilepsy, but an isolated incident probably does not, says veterinarian Harvey Mohrenweiser of the Standard Schnauzer Club of America.
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Considerations
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Young male Schnauzers are most at risk of having seizures and developing epilepsy, with onset of symptoms before age 2, Dr. Mohrenweiser writes on the Schnauzer Club's website.
Symptoms
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Standard Schnauzers will show many symptoms before having a seizure, including random loss of consciousness, paddling of the legs as if running in place, jaw movements that resemble chewing, dilated pupils and unresponsiveness, salivating or drooling, and loss of control of bodily functions.
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Diagnostics
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Epilepsy has no diagnostic test. Instead, veterinarians may arrive at the diagnosis through eliminating other possible causes of the seizures, such as brain injury or Lyme disease.
Treatment
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Seizures and epilepsy in standard Schnauzers can be treated with medication. If the medication fails, surgery is also an option.
Research
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Genetic research is focusing on finding a DNA marker for canine epilepsy, to facilitate the development of tests for the disease. Researchers are also trying to find new ways to treat dogs for which anti-seizure medications have little effect.
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