How to Treat Canine Epilepsy

Canine epilepsy can be caused by many factors. It can be hereditary; some breeds are more prone to epilepsy than others. Brain damage, metabolic disease and environmental toxins can also cause epilepsy. Most dogs that have seizures can be successfully treated with proper veterinarian care and medication and live long and happy lives. Follow these steps to help treat canine epilepsy.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Visit the veterinarian as soon as possible if there is a suspicion the dog is epileptic. The vet may recommend tests for the dog to confirm epilepsy. Be prepared with the reasons epilepsy is suspected.

2. Administer all medications as prescribed by the vet for canine epilepsy. There are a variety of drugs that can eliminate or reduce the number of seizures. Phenobarbital is a common drug for canine epilepsy.

3. Return to the vet regularly for follow-up visits. The vet may want to test blood levels to determine a correct dose of seizure medication.

4. Have regular vet check-ups. Make sure the dog is current on shots and preventatives.

5. Keep a seizure diary. Record the date, time and length of seizures and review this with the vet.

6. Remain calm and do not panic if a seizure happens. Check the time to monitor the length of the seizure. The dog will not swallow its tongue. Do not put hands in a seizing dogs mouth. Make sure the dog is safe and will not fall off furniture or hurt itself, but do not try to otherwise move or restrain the dog. Remove other animals and small children from the seizure area. A calm atmosphere may help shorten the seizure time. Watch the seizure carefully for details that may give the vet clues for treatment. If the seizure lasts more that 5 minutes, or the dog has more than three seizures in one day, immediately transport the dog to emergency care.

7. Observe the dog will enter a state called post-ical behavior after the seizure ends. The dog may appear disoriented, weak, have vision disturbance and may have a personality change. This is a temporary stage; keep the dog quiet, and it will return to its normal behavior. If the post-ical stage is prolonged (several hours) or severe (the dog is acting aggressive), contact the vet or veterinary emergency room.

Tips & Warnings

• An epileptic dog still makes a great pet and friend. Remember to help the dog live a normal and happy life. A few minutes of a seizure are just a small part of the dog's life. Treatment can reduce or eliminate even that small percentage.
• Be prepared for seizures before they happen. Keep the veterinarian and vet emergency room telephone number where they can be accessed quickly. Know the directions to get to medical treatment. Learn how to transport the dog if it is unconscious and plan what to do with other pets. Practice a "seizure drill" if necessary.
• Veterinarians are studying hereditary epilepsy using DNA from purebred dogs. Talk to your vet about participating in these studies.
• Never discontinue anti-epileptic medication without consulting with the vet first.
• Always administer canine epilepsy medication according to the veterinarian's directions.