Canine Epilepsy

Dog Health Problems - Symptoms of Canine Epilepsy
Canine Epilepsy usually occurs in dogs 6 months to 5 years of age, generally at 2-3 years. The actual triggering of a seizure is unknown but this usually tends to occur during periods of excitability. There are three phases to a seizure.

• Pre-Seizure - your dog may seek its owner showing signs of restlessness, will pace and salivate

• Seizure - this phase can generally last up to 5 minutes and the dog will appear excited, run round in circles, vomit, salivate, collapse, and have uncoordinated muscle motions. Involuntarily urination and defecation can occur.

• Post-Seizure - this phase can last between 5 minutes to many hours, or in extreme cases even days - the dog will appear disoriented and uncoordinated. In extreme cases temporary blindness may occur

Seizures by themselves are not life threatening unless they progress into Status where the seizure continues for several hours in which case medical attention should be sought immediately.

Dog Health Questions - Dogs susceptible to Canine Epilepsy
Canine Epilepsy occurs in all breeds and can be due to a genetic trait. Studies have shown that the following breeds are most susceptible to canine epilepsy:

• Beagles

• Collies

• Dachshunds

• German shepherds

• Huskies

• Irish setters

• Poodles

• Spaniels

• Retrievers

Dog Health Questions - Canine Epilepsy Causes
There are many possible causes of Canine Epilepsy which include:
 

Brain damage Congenital defects Fevers Infections such as distemper Kidney disorders Liver disorders Poisons Medications - certain medications can provoke a seizure

Dog Health Information - Treatment of Canine Epilepsy
The treatment of Canine Epilepsy is dependent on the pattern of seizure. There is no cure but treatment decreases the frequency, severity and duration of the seizures.