Does Your Dog Have Epilepsy?

What is epilepsy?

It is a condition of recurring seizures that uncoordinated firing of neurons in the brain occurs. In dogs, it is not fully understood, but it has some similarities with the causes of human beings. Neurotransmitters are chemically imbalanced, so nerves are nekoordinirani.Epilepsije dog will show uncoordinated firing of neurons in the brain. These are called seizures, also known as fits or convulsions. It usually starts in dogs aged 6 months to 5 years.

Different types of epilepsy:

1 Idiopathic epilepsy-the cause is unknown, it May be inherited.

2 Secondary Epilepsy - Normally, the veterinarian will perform some tests to rule out the possibility of toxic or physiological causes before he makes his dog has been diagnosed as idiopathic version. There are many types of seizures seen in dogs and often, the owner is not aware of your pets condition. Epileptic seizure is abnormal brain activity seen in the brain called the cerebral cortex. These abnormalities that cause cramps ranging from petit mal to the general, whole-body grand mal.

4 stages of withdrawal:

1.Prodome - It only takes a few minutes to hours and sometimes days before the actual grč.Pas will show the changes in his behavior or mood.

2.Aura - the owner will notice the initial signs during this phase. Some pet dogs will begin trembling, salivating, licking, pacing, wandering aimlessly, hiding, urinating or whining. Some other dogs may show an alien behaviors such as excessive barking and trying to get the owner's attention.

3.Iktus - This is the actual seizure of the phase in which the dog may lose consciousness, gnash their teeth, thrashing legs and head, crying, drooling, loss of bowel and bladder control, a rowing legs as if running. Some alien species seizures in dogs will make the dog suddenly go blank and just stare into space, while others will run frantically in krug.One with partial seizures will experience twitching in one area of ​​your body only, it could be in one leg, his face, the hips or shoulders.

4.Ictal - It happens only after grč.Pas will act as if doped, drunk, deaf, or blind. Some dogs may pace endlessly, or drinking lots of water. Another pass out and sleep.

causes seizures

Seizures can be caused by many conditions: liver tumors in the brain birth defects in low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or conditions such as diabetes or fever hyperthermia heart problems, shortness of breath, anemia, or kidney disorders of brain damage due to trauma or poor blood flow in the brain infections such as canine distemper Low calcium in women who are nursing young toxins such as antifreeze, chocolate, or cause primary / idiopathic epilepsy the dog is taking medication that causes a seizure?

It is unknown, but many dogs experience seizures when excited. Very often, a dog attack while playing, or when the kids just came back from school. One dog has seizures after a visit to the vet hospital. Other dogs have a seizure while sleeping. Do not confuse this with dreaming because it is not uncommon for dogs to shake or bark while sleeping. You wake up dreaming of a dog, but no dog has seizures.

How is epilepsy diagnosed?

First, the vet will get a detailed history. Neurological, physical exams and laboratory tests were then to be performed. Sometimes x-rays are also taken. If the vet can not determine the cause of the cramps, then the condition is diagnosed as idiopathic. No test is still available for the diagnosis of epilepsy itself, the tests simply rule out other causes of seizures.

What kind of facts about your dog, you can hand to your veterinarian to make the diagnosis?

This is useful if, pet owners can give your veterinarian answers to these questions: How does your pet look like when there are spasms? How often the seizures occur? What is the duration of each convulsion? Consider both sides of your dog, if there are symptoms that appear on one side only. Does the one hand, appear much worse? Does your pet dog is hyperthermia? Has he been exposed to toxic substances? Is your pet is subjected to a traumatic experience recently or many years ago? Is your pet vaccinated updated? Has your pet been recently boarded or with other dogs? Is your pet is sick? In recent weeks, he was running loose? When and what it is? Has he been acting strange lately, or you notice any changes in behavior? Did seizures occur in the sample relating to certain activities such as eating, sleeping, or exercise? Does your pet show different signs immediately before or immediately after a seizure?

Do some dogs have a higher tendency to epilepsy?

Usually, the epilepsy starts running in 6 months to 5 years of age, usually at 2-3 years. It occurs in all breeds of dogs, including mixed breeds. Epilepsy can be a family, can be transmitted through generacije.Zlatni retriever, labrador, Cockers, Dachshund, German Shepherd, Collies, Poodles, Irish setters, St. Bernards, Beagles, Malamutes and Huskies, the Springers are some dog breeds with a high tendency to have of epilepsy. Since epilepsy can be inherited, dogs who should not be used for breeding.

treatment

The treatment begins when the seizure pattern, and more severe. You should know your pet dog sample so your vet can judge if the treatment helps.

there is no known cure for epilepsiju.Cilj is to reduce the incidence, duration and severity of seizures. Oral medications are given to treat epilepsy. Dogs show nonidentical responses to lijekove.Veterinar can try various combinations of drugs to see which one is right for your pet. At the start of medication, most dogs will feel sleepy, but eventually it wears off in a few weeks.

common drugs used to restrict the epilepsy are Phenobarbital and potassium bromide. Can be used as a single drug or in combination. They should be administered daily. Before putting the dog on phenobarbital medication, he should have a laboratory test. Blood levels are also taken regularly. Do not skip or stop the drug after it was introduced, or severe convulsions can result. Almost all dogs taking anticonvulsant will have to continue taking it for life. Some other medications used to treat epilepsy are carbamazepine, felbamate, primidone, valporic acid, chlorazepate, gabapentin, and clonazepam. Intravenous drugs such as Valium for quick action given the dogs with prolonged seizures, or also known as status.

Anti-epileptic drugs such as phenobarbital may have adverse effects on the liver, if a high dose is needed. Before increasing the dose, the liver function tests should be taken just to make sure that you are on the safe side. Although liver damage is rarely seen even at high levels. It is common for dosage level to be effective for a while, and then seizures would increase the frequency and trajanje.Doza then be increased. On the other hand, if the dog shows no seizures, the dose can be lowered and still control the seizures. Keep a calendar with the date of seizure, and their duration. This will help you determine if any adjustments necessary.

What do I do if a dog has colic?

Stay calm. Never put your hand in your dog's mouth. May you get a bite! And it does not help your dog. Put on sharp objects nearby, such as tables and chairs to prevent injuries. Put the dog on the floor carefully, if the couch or bed to prevent falls. Delete the other pets and children. Look at your dog closely and get in touch with your vet if seizures last longer than 3 minutes, or if repeated seizures for this is an emergency and can be fatal. A mild seizure is not considered an emergency and should not be a long-term medication. Although we still need to apply to your veterinarian. Be sure to record the date, time and duration of seizures.