Seizures
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moospacer26
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Seizures
Back in February (2005) we encountered our first seizure with our then 1.5 year old chow chow, Bear. Just a couple days ago, she had her second one. Does anyone know if seizures are common for the breed? Or is this just a fluke? In Feb, the doctors basically said that if she didn't have them continuously, like epilepsy, then there was really nothing they could do. Now we are just watching her closely for another one to see if we need to have her tested for anything else. Any advice or suggestions?
Thanks, everyone!
Tracey - Bear's Momma
Thanks, everyone!
Tracey - Bear's Momma
We are having the same unfortunate problem 
I have a 5 year old chow, who just recently had his 2nd seizure (about an hour ago). So I quickly went on the internet, signed up to this forum (first post), and researched on dog seizures.
The first seizure happened November 2004. My mother was really concerned about this, so we ended up taking the dog to an emergency animal hospital. The bill came to $350.00 just for the vet to tell us that the dog had a seizure and all he really could do was inject the dog with water (because he said the dog was dehydrated).
The seizure is called "Canine Epilepsy" and it is genetic. I also highly recommend this site: http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/ for more information about treating it.
For the whole day, our Chow was acting different (these are symptoms of a seizure). He was overactive, waking me up early in the morning. He even escaped from our house and luckily, we were able to find him.
Our dog is not neutered, so I thought that that was the problem, because he was extremely horny for most of the day. However, that was just a symptom of the seizure.
I guess I am going to research on his diet, because I am giving him ALPO, which is a byproduct food which might have led to his seizures. The byproduct food may have toxins associated with the seizure. Now I am looking into more organic type foods.
I have a 5 year old chow, who just recently had his 2nd seizure (about an hour ago). So I quickly went on the internet, signed up to this forum (first post), and researched on dog seizures.
The first seizure happened November 2004. My mother was really concerned about this, so we ended up taking the dog to an emergency animal hospital. The bill came to $350.00 just for the vet to tell us that the dog had a seizure and all he really could do was inject the dog with water (because he said the dog was dehydrated).
The seizure is called "Canine Epilepsy" and it is genetic. I also highly recommend this site: http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/ for more information about treating it.
For the whole day, our Chow was acting different (these are symptoms of a seizure). He was overactive, waking me up early in the morning. He even escaped from our house and luckily, we were able to find him.
Our dog is not neutered, so I thought that that was the problem, because he was extremely horny for most of the day. However, that was just a symptom of the seizure.
I guess I am going to research on his diet, because I am giving him ALPO, which is a byproduct food which might have led to his seizures. The byproduct food may have toxins associated with the seizure. Now I am looking into more organic type foods.
-
carolyn dewrance
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- Joined: Sun Mar 13, 2005 6:20 am
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I found this on another site when I was looking for an answer to Charlies fits, do hope it can be of help to you as well
EPILEPSY IN DOGS AND CATS
Epilepsy is not uncommon in the dog, but really quite unusual in cats, in my experience. The single most striking feature of this condition is of course fits.
Having said that, there are many other causes of fits, which must be considered in any pet presenting with such a history. Other causes include the ingestion of poisons, kidney and liver disease, infections, meningitis, encephalitis, brain tumours, congenital abnormalities and many others. These must all be ruled out before a diagnosis of epilepsy can be arrived at. Many tests may be necessary to rule out such conditions, and the arrival of MRI scanning has added new possibilities (if expensive!) to our repertoire. However, under many circumstances, a diagnosis of epilepsy is often arrived at simply by this process of elimination.
Certain breeds have a predisposition towards epilepsy, and among my patients, GSDs, Collies and Poodles certainly feature highly, but it can occur in any breed, Mongrels included. The first fit can occur at any age, but is often in young to middle aged dogs.
So what is an epileptic fit? Well it is usually described as the uncontrolled release of electrical discharge in the brain. Certain dogs seem to have a tendency to this condition, and an owner will begin to learn certain trigger factors, which are involved in bringing on a fit. This could be the time of day, a loud noise, fireworks, during sleep, following exercise. And there are many more. Every dog seems to be different.
The Fit Record Card: I find this very helpful indeed. On the first occasion a dog presents with a fit, and before any medication is provided, I supply a fit record card or sheet. This is a simple table in which the owner completes details of fits as they occur, including the following parameters: Date, Time, Length of fit, Description of symptoms, length of time to return to normal. As long as this is kept up to date, it gives the vet an "at a glance" history of the pattern and severity of the fits in this particular patient.
It is the PATTERN of fits, which matters. In most cases the fits themselves are short lasting, and little can be done at that time. The fit is usually over before action can be taken. Medication will be aimed at IMPROVING THE PATTERN, and making the fits less frequent, and less severe. Perhaps preventing them completely.
Grand mal and petit mal:
Fits involve the patient usually lying on its side, paddling with the paws, shaking and trembling, chattering teeth, and salivating. Sometimes uncontrolled urination and defaecation occurs.
A Grand mal is a severe fit. It may lead into "STATUS EPILEPTICUS" and this is the dangerous one. A fit which doesn't stop, until medication brings it under control. A fit which is left to go on and on, can lead to severe brain damage. YOUR RULE: when a fit starts, look at the time. After 10 minutes, if the pet is still in a fit, you need to take the pet to the vet as quickly as possible. Most fits don't last 10 minutes, and the vet will not be necessary as an emergency measure. But if the fit is on-going at 10 minutes, phone the vet and arrange to take the pet into the vet's practice forthwith. Calling the vet to your house is only likely to waste time. Action in your house will be limited indeed, and the vet will end up being an expensive taxi.
How do you get a fitting dog to the vet?
Lay out a blanket by the dog. Holding its paws, roll the dog over onto the blanket. Beware his teeth!! Dogs in a fit don't know you, or what they're doing! So care and forgiveness is required! Then get 2 people, one on each end of the blanket, to lift the dog by all 4 corners of the blanket, place it in the back of the car, and go quickly, but carefully to the vet's practice.
A dog in status epilepticus needs intravenous injections of sedatives (e.g. valium) or anaesthetics (e.g. pentobarbitone) to stabilize its condition. And this can take many hours, or longer on some occasions. A period of hospitalization is highly likely.
Petit mal: these are short fits, or perhaps even mild episodes of trembling with only some of the minor symptoms of fits. They resolve of their own accord, usually in a matter of minutes, but the pattern is all-important if we are to prevent their recurrence. So, if this is the first fit you've seen, even though you don't need the vet as an emergency measure, do take the patient to see the vet at the next convenient surgery, to assess the situation.
**IF IN DOUBT phone the vet's practice and discuss the situation.
**Long-term medication: having established a pattern, your vet will be able to decide if medication is necessary. Drugs involved include Phenobarbitone, Mysoline, Epanutin (Phenytoin) and Potassium Bromide. Phenobarbitone and mysoline are usual first line drugs. Epanutin is often used to support one or other of these two, to enhance their actions. Generally, one starts at low dose rates, and builds up whilst monitoring the pattern of fits. Once control is achieved, then there is no need for a further dose increase, unless things later deteriorate.
In the early stages of both mysoline and phenobarbitone, the pet is likely to be quite sedated. And an increased thirst is also possible. However the dog will adapt, and these symptoms usually improve over a week or two. Once you start medication: DON'T run out of pills! This is a well known trigger to restarting fits again.
From time to time, your vet may wish to run blood tests. These can be used to monitor blood levels of phenobarbitone. And they can also be used to monitor liver function which can be affected by longterm medication.
**IF IN DOUBT phone your vet's practice and discuss the situation.**
Tim Mainland MA, Vet MB, MRCVS.
http://www.vetontheweb.com
FIGHTING FITS
"Although frightening, epileptic fits in dogs can be treated with drugs"- Report presented to the British Veterinary Association conference by Geoff Skerritt FRCVS.1996.
About the author- Geoff Skerritt graduated from Liverpool University and has since achieved specialist status in veterinary neurology. He is now principal of a first opinion and referral practice on the Wirral, Cheshire.
Opening his talk, Mr Skerrit said that there are many potential causes of epilepsy and so each case of a dog suffering from seizures represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.
Observant owners who are able to communicate with the vet are vital in helping to achieve successful management of the case.
Mr Skerritt said that a survey has shown that one dog in a hundred suffers from seizures at some time and that seizures can represent a significant proportion of the case load of vets in general practice. Yet the vet rarely witnesses a seizure in an individual patient and even the owners do not always know when their dog has had a fit, because the seizures often take place when the dog is asleep. It was suggested that owners try to video what they thought to be a fit in case they are misinterpreting what has taken place. The veterinary surgeon will need to know how long the seizure lasted, how frequent and severe the incident is, when it occurs, and how the dog behaved just before and after the seizure as well as any possible trigger factors for the seizure
Definition
A seizure (also called a fit) is a sudden episode of
uncontrolled electrical activity of the brain. Recurrent
seizures are called epilepsy. In a partial seizure abnormal electrical activity is confined to just one part of the brain. The patient may experience tingling or twitching of a small part of the head or body or feet. Sometimes sufferers hallucinate or experience intense fear.
Explaining Seizures.
In a generalised seizure, abnormal electrical activity spreads throughout the brain. This causes loss of consciousness and jerky muscle contractions, during which control may be lost of urine and faecal output. A single seizure may have several different causes and is not necessarily epilepsy. A sudden collapse may be due to fainting, heat stroke or hypoglycaemia, lack of oxygen, kidney failure or a heart problem. When the cause of the seizure is metabolic, the timing may be related to feeding or exercise. Seizures that result from poisoning (e.g. organophosphates) may occur at any time of the day or night.
Causes
Geoff Skerritt said it is important for the owners to be able to give a full medical history of the dog, including vaccination status, since fits are often associated with distemper which may have occurred years before. Trauma such as being violently hit on the head or neck or injury occurring when being thrown from a car in an accident may be reflected in seizures starting up to 2 years later.
If the owner is able to give some information about the birth of the dog this may be helpful, for trauma and lack of oxygen at birth may be responsible for the development of epilepsy later on. However, if the dog has been purchased this information is
unlikely to be forthcoming and even if the breeder still owns the dog, he or she may not be able to remember which puppy in the litter needed to be revived.
Breeds
Mr. Skerritt observed that while there were few breeds in which epilepsy had not been recorded, some breeds do show a high incidence of seizures and in these an inherited pre disposition is suspected. So far inheritance has only been proven in a handful of breeds and it appears that it varies in complexity in different breeds. GSD's and Golden Retrievers are particularly prone to 'cluster seizures' which may mean three or four seizures or may be as many as 20-30 in a period of 24 hours, and then a period of 2-3 weeks without fits. Clustering should be regarded as a poor sign because status epilepitcus (one seizure following another in rapid succession without the dog regaining consciousness between fits) is a likely sequel. Any seizure which lasts for longer than 5 minutes may become status epilepticus and that is a very serious condition.
The onset of primary seizures usually occurs between the ages of 1 and 3 years old, but in the larger breeds e.g.. GSD's and Irish Setters seem to start as early as 6 months old and sometimes not until 6 years of age.
Mr Skerritt said that if seizures occur in a dog of less than 6 months old, or older than 6 years, a cause other than primary epilepsy should be suspected.
Investigation
Since most dogs who suffer from seizures are taken to the vet when they are not having a fit, they will probably appear to be clinically normal, so a thorough physical examination is carried out to eliminate any causes of seizures which do not involve brain activity. Biochemical profiles will eliminate other causes, and CSF taken from the back of the neck will indicate whether any other brain disorder such as tumour, may be responsible for the seizure. Mr Skerritt said that the difficulty of interpreting EEG have caused that procedure to fall out of favour. In his experience most primary epileptics record normal EEG's when they are not having fits. The EEG is of no use for detecting the potential for epilepsy in clinically normal animals, although there was a time 20 or more years ago when this procedure was thought to have been of some use.
Therapy.
There are a number of drugs that will control the frequency of fits in dogs, to a degree which improves the quality of life for the dog. However Mr. Skerritt warned that pet owners should be made aware that seizures will not be completely eliminated, although this has been successful in some cases. Once started, anticonvulsant therapy must be continued, probably for years as it is difficult to stop the therapy without inducing a seizure. The best drug to use is one that has minimal side effects, is tolerated well and is inexpensive. Phenobarbitone recently licensed for veterinary use in the UK as Epiphen, is a drug of choice, but it must be given regularly as the effect wears off quickly. Side effects in some individual dogs may be initially sedation, increased eating and drinking, and excitement but these effects usually wear off in a week or two on the drug.
Definition.
Mysoline, Epanutin, and Potassium Bromide are also used, but Diazepam (Valium) has not proved effective as it is quickly metabolised in dogs and very frequent dosing would be necessary to reach a therapeutic level. Some dogs do not respond to treatment, no matter how carefully the owners administer the prescribed medication, Mr Skerritt concluded Uncontrollable status epilepticus is often the sequel, or the owner is understandably unable to manage a dog which has frequent and violent seizures. Kennel Gazette Jan. 1997.
Carolyn
EPILEPSY IN DOGS AND CATS
Epilepsy is not uncommon in the dog, but really quite unusual in cats, in my experience. The single most striking feature of this condition is of course fits.
Having said that, there are many other causes of fits, which must be considered in any pet presenting with such a history. Other causes include the ingestion of poisons, kidney and liver disease, infections, meningitis, encephalitis, brain tumours, congenital abnormalities and many others. These must all be ruled out before a diagnosis of epilepsy can be arrived at. Many tests may be necessary to rule out such conditions, and the arrival of MRI scanning has added new possibilities (if expensive!) to our repertoire. However, under many circumstances, a diagnosis of epilepsy is often arrived at simply by this process of elimination.
Certain breeds have a predisposition towards epilepsy, and among my patients, GSDs, Collies and Poodles certainly feature highly, but it can occur in any breed, Mongrels included. The first fit can occur at any age, but is often in young to middle aged dogs.
So what is an epileptic fit? Well it is usually described as the uncontrolled release of electrical discharge in the brain. Certain dogs seem to have a tendency to this condition, and an owner will begin to learn certain trigger factors, which are involved in bringing on a fit. This could be the time of day, a loud noise, fireworks, during sleep, following exercise. And there are many more. Every dog seems to be different.
The Fit Record Card: I find this very helpful indeed. On the first occasion a dog presents with a fit, and before any medication is provided, I supply a fit record card or sheet. This is a simple table in which the owner completes details of fits as they occur, including the following parameters: Date, Time, Length of fit, Description of symptoms, length of time to return to normal. As long as this is kept up to date, it gives the vet an "at a glance" history of the pattern and severity of the fits in this particular patient.
It is the PATTERN of fits, which matters. In most cases the fits themselves are short lasting, and little can be done at that time. The fit is usually over before action can be taken. Medication will be aimed at IMPROVING THE PATTERN, and making the fits less frequent, and less severe. Perhaps preventing them completely.
Grand mal and petit mal:
Fits involve the patient usually lying on its side, paddling with the paws, shaking and trembling, chattering teeth, and salivating. Sometimes uncontrolled urination and defaecation occurs.
A Grand mal is a severe fit. It may lead into "STATUS EPILEPTICUS" and this is the dangerous one. A fit which doesn't stop, until medication brings it under control. A fit which is left to go on and on, can lead to severe brain damage. YOUR RULE: when a fit starts, look at the time. After 10 minutes, if the pet is still in a fit, you need to take the pet to the vet as quickly as possible. Most fits don't last 10 minutes, and the vet will not be necessary as an emergency measure. But if the fit is on-going at 10 minutes, phone the vet and arrange to take the pet into the vet's practice forthwith. Calling the vet to your house is only likely to waste time. Action in your house will be limited indeed, and the vet will end up being an expensive taxi.
How do you get a fitting dog to the vet?
Lay out a blanket by the dog. Holding its paws, roll the dog over onto the blanket. Beware his teeth!! Dogs in a fit don't know you, or what they're doing! So care and forgiveness is required! Then get 2 people, one on each end of the blanket, to lift the dog by all 4 corners of the blanket, place it in the back of the car, and go quickly, but carefully to the vet's practice.
A dog in status epilepticus needs intravenous injections of sedatives (e.g. valium) or anaesthetics (e.g. pentobarbitone) to stabilize its condition. And this can take many hours, or longer on some occasions. A period of hospitalization is highly likely.
Petit mal: these are short fits, or perhaps even mild episodes of trembling with only some of the minor symptoms of fits. They resolve of their own accord, usually in a matter of minutes, but the pattern is all-important if we are to prevent their recurrence. So, if this is the first fit you've seen, even though you don't need the vet as an emergency measure, do take the patient to see the vet at the next convenient surgery, to assess the situation.
**IF IN DOUBT phone the vet's practice and discuss the situation.
**Long-term medication: having established a pattern, your vet will be able to decide if medication is necessary. Drugs involved include Phenobarbitone, Mysoline, Epanutin (Phenytoin) and Potassium Bromide. Phenobarbitone and mysoline are usual first line drugs. Epanutin is often used to support one or other of these two, to enhance their actions. Generally, one starts at low dose rates, and builds up whilst monitoring the pattern of fits. Once control is achieved, then there is no need for a further dose increase, unless things later deteriorate.
In the early stages of both mysoline and phenobarbitone, the pet is likely to be quite sedated. And an increased thirst is also possible. However the dog will adapt, and these symptoms usually improve over a week or two. Once you start medication: DON'T run out of pills! This is a well known trigger to restarting fits again.
From time to time, your vet may wish to run blood tests. These can be used to monitor blood levels of phenobarbitone. And they can also be used to monitor liver function which can be affected by longterm medication.
**IF IN DOUBT phone your vet's practice and discuss the situation.**
Tim Mainland MA, Vet MB, MRCVS.
http://www.vetontheweb.com
FIGHTING FITS
"Although frightening, epileptic fits in dogs can be treated with drugs"- Report presented to the British Veterinary Association conference by Geoff Skerritt FRCVS.1996.
About the author- Geoff Skerritt graduated from Liverpool University and has since achieved specialist status in veterinary neurology. He is now principal of a first opinion and referral practice on the Wirral, Cheshire.
Opening his talk, Mr Skerrit said that there are many potential causes of epilepsy and so each case of a dog suffering from seizures represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.
Observant owners who are able to communicate with the vet are vital in helping to achieve successful management of the case.
Mr Skerritt said that a survey has shown that one dog in a hundred suffers from seizures at some time and that seizures can represent a significant proportion of the case load of vets in general practice. Yet the vet rarely witnesses a seizure in an individual patient and even the owners do not always know when their dog has had a fit, because the seizures often take place when the dog is asleep. It was suggested that owners try to video what they thought to be a fit in case they are misinterpreting what has taken place. The veterinary surgeon will need to know how long the seizure lasted, how frequent and severe the incident is, when it occurs, and how the dog behaved just before and after the seizure as well as any possible trigger factors for the seizure
Definition
A seizure (also called a fit) is a sudden episode of
uncontrolled electrical activity of the brain. Recurrent
seizures are called epilepsy. In a partial seizure abnormal electrical activity is confined to just one part of the brain. The patient may experience tingling or twitching of a small part of the head or body or feet. Sometimes sufferers hallucinate or experience intense fear.
Explaining Seizures.
In a generalised seizure, abnormal electrical activity spreads throughout the brain. This causes loss of consciousness and jerky muscle contractions, during which control may be lost of urine and faecal output. A single seizure may have several different causes and is not necessarily epilepsy. A sudden collapse may be due to fainting, heat stroke or hypoglycaemia, lack of oxygen, kidney failure or a heart problem. When the cause of the seizure is metabolic, the timing may be related to feeding or exercise. Seizures that result from poisoning (e.g. organophosphates) may occur at any time of the day or night.
Causes
Geoff Skerritt said it is important for the owners to be able to give a full medical history of the dog, including vaccination status, since fits are often associated with distemper which may have occurred years before. Trauma such as being violently hit on the head or neck or injury occurring when being thrown from a car in an accident may be reflected in seizures starting up to 2 years later.
If the owner is able to give some information about the birth of the dog this may be helpful, for trauma and lack of oxygen at birth may be responsible for the development of epilepsy later on. However, if the dog has been purchased this information is
unlikely to be forthcoming and even if the breeder still owns the dog, he or she may not be able to remember which puppy in the litter needed to be revived.
Breeds
Mr. Skerritt observed that while there were few breeds in which epilepsy had not been recorded, some breeds do show a high incidence of seizures and in these an inherited pre disposition is suspected. So far inheritance has only been proven in a handful of breeds and it appears that it varies in complexity in different breeds. GSD's and Golden Retrievers are particularly prone to 'cluster seizures' which may mean three or four seizures or may be as many as 20-30 in a period of 24 hours, and then a period of 2-3 weeks without fits. Clustering should be regarded as a poor sign because status epilepitcus (one seizure following another in rapid succession without the dog regaining consciousness between fits) is a likely sequel. Any seizure which lasts for longer than 5 minutes may become status epilepticus and that is a very serious condition.
The onset of primary seizures usually occurs between the ages of 1 and 3 years old, but in the larger breeds e.g.. GSD's and Irish Setters seem to start as early as 6 months old and sometimes not until 6 years of age.
Mr Skerritt said that if seizures occur in a dog of less than 6 months old, or older than 6 years, a cause other than primary epilepsy should be suspected.
Investigation
Since most dogs who suffer from seizures are taken to the vet when they are not having a fit, they will probably appear to be clinically normal, so a thorough physical examination is carried out to eliminate any causes of seizures which do not involve brain activity. Biochemical profiles will eliminate other causes, and CSF taken from the back of the neck will indicate whether any other brain disorder such as tumour, may be responsible for the seizure. Mr Skerritt said that the difficulty of interpreting EEG have caused that procedure to fall out of favour. In his experience most primary epileptics record normal EEG's when they are not having fits. The EEG is of no use for detecting the potential for epilepsy in clinically normal animals, although there was a time 20 or more years ago when this procedure was thought to have been of some use.
Therapy.
There are a number of drugs that will control the frequency of fits in dogs, to a degree which improves the quality of life for the dog. However Mr. Skerritt warned that pet owners should be made aware that seizures will not be completely eliminated, although this has been successful in some cases. Once started, anticonvulsant therapy must be continued, probably for years as it is difficult to stop the therapy without inducing a seizure. The best drug to use is one that has minimal side effects, is tolerated well and is inexpensive. Phenobarbitone recently licensed for veterinary use in the UK as Epiphen, is a drug of choice, but it must be given regularly as the effect wears off quickly. Side effects in some individual dogs may be initially sedation, increased eating and drinking, and excitement but these effects usually wear off in a week or two on the drug.
Definition.
Mysoline, Epanutin, and Potassium Bromide are also used, but Diazepam (Valium) has not proved effective as it is quickly metabolised in dogs and very frequent dosing would be necessary to reach a therapeutic level. Some dogs do not respond to treatment, no matter how carefully the owners administer the prescribed medication, Mr Skerritt concluded Uncontrollable status epilepticus is often the sequel, or the owner is understandably unable to manage a dog which has frequent and violent seizures. Kennel Gazette Jan. 1997.
Carolyn
Carolyn Dewrance
4 Fernwood Close
Richwood
Cape Town 7441
4 Fernwood Close
Richwood
Cape Town 7441